John Torode, who has denied using racist language, was reportedly sacked from MasterChef for allegedly directing a racial slur at an employee working on the BBC show
John Torode was reportedly axed from MasterChef after allegedly directing a racial slur at an employee working on the BBC show – and not the Kanye West karaoke.
The TV chef has been fired from the BBC cooking show after being accused of using an “extremely offensive racist term” – which he has denied. The claim that Torode had used the severely offensive racist slur has been upheld – but he said he has “no recollection” of this and doesn’t believe that it happened.
It was previously reported that Torode had used the N-word while singing Kanye West’s song Gold Digger. Daily Star has contacted Torode’s representative for comment.
However, it’s now reported that the upheld claim relating to John using the racist slur was not in relation to this incident. According to BBC News, the allegation which was substantiated relates to 2018, when he allegedly used the same word on set after the end of filming – and it was directed at a member of staff.
BBC News also said there were a total of nine complaints about Torode, including other allegations of racist language, abusive language towards junior production staff and sexual language. However, these claims were not upheld due to a lack of evidence or witnesses – only the above claim was upheld.
Torode confirmed on Monday (July 14) that he was the subject of the racism claim, upheld as part of an enquiry into separate allegations against his MasterChef co-star, Gregg Wallace. Wallace was sacked after 45 out of 83 complaints about his behaviour were upheld, including a claim of unwelcome physical contact.
It came in a report commissioned by MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK. Wallace has denied engaging in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature and said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.
Torode denied the alleged racist incident happened in his statement on Monday. He said: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the Investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
“For the sake of transparency I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
The BBC said in their own statement: “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.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
