MasterChef host Gregg Wallace responded to allegations of making sexual comments towards employees and contestants, saying they mainly came from “middle-class women of a certain age.” In a video posted on Instagram, Wallace defended his actions, citing his long career on the show and the many contestants he has worked with over the years.
However, new allegations emerged in a letter sent to the BBC in 2022, accusing Wallace of making lewd comments and asking for the personal phone numbers of female production staff. The letter, shared on social media by Dawn Elrick, gathered anonymous reports of sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry.
Following these allegations, Wallace decided to step away from his role on MasterChef while historical complaints are being externally reviewed by the show’s producer Banijay UK. The BBC reported that 13 people have come forward with allegations of inappropriate sexual comments against Wallace over a 17-year period.
Wallace’s lawyers deny the claims, stating that he does not engage in sexually harassing behavior. The letter sent to the BBC in 2022 detailed instances where female production staff felt uncomfortable due to Wallace’s behavior, including making lewd comments and asking for personal numbers.
In response to the letter, the BBC stated that they have robust processes in place to address such issues and are committed to investigating any complaints thoroughly. Wallace, on the other hand, posted a cryptic message on Instagram, saying, “We are all different,” amidst the growing controversy surrounding him.
Further accusations have surfaced in the media about Wallace’s behavior on other shows, prompting Rumpus Media, the production company behind Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends, to look into the allegations. Banijay UK has appointed a law firm to conduct an external investigation into the historical allegations against Wallace and has encouraged anyone with concerns to come forward.
Overall, the situation involving Gregg Wallace continues to evolve as more allegations come to light, and it remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold and what actions will be taken in response to the claims of inappropriate behavior.
