John Torode has been sacked by the BBC from his role as MasterChef presenter after an investigation into his co-star Gregg Wallace, who was also axed from the show
Former MasterChef host John Torode was compelled to apologize to a fan for his rude behavior just days before being axed by the BBC. The incident occurred online when ITV shared an Instagram post promoting the 10th series of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, a show he co-hosts with his actress wife and Celebrity MasterChef winner, Lisa Faulkner.
One user commented on their encounter with the 59-year-old Australian chef, stating: “Used to love this …. sadly John was so rude when I saw him …. very sad.”
This prompted John to respond: “I am really sorry. Never meant to be rude. Please accept my apologies.”
Other fans quickly came to his defence following the exchange. One fan shared: “I met him once in a cruise terminal, and he was utterly charming,” while another added: “As a professional, he gets very wrapped up in his work. His frowny, serious face is when he’s concentrating deeply. He is actually a good laugh and very polite.”
Torode was suddenly sacked as a MasterChef presenter on Tuesday, July 15, after an allegation that he used an “extremely offensive racist term” was upheld in a report. This development follows an eight-month investigation into his co-host, Gregg Wallace, which upheld 45 out of 83 complaints of bad behavior and ultimately resulted in his removal from the broadcaster, reports the Express.
On Monday, Torode initially stated that he had “no recollection” of the incident in question, adding: “I do not believe that it happened.”
However, just a day later, it was revealed that he had been let go, with Torode claiming he first found out about the decision through social media.
A spokesperson for the BBC announced on Tuesday: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
“This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.
“John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Meanwhile, his former co-star Wallace was also terminated from the show. His exit came last week, as numerous additional people came forward to BBC News with allegations against him, all of which he has denied.
The controversy surrounding MasterChef initially began last year, when BBC News first brought to light allegations of Wallace using inappropriate sexual language – claims that he has consistently denied.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
