John Torode breaks silence on being sacked from MasterChef

South Wales Guardian

2 days ago

The celebrity chef, 59, is the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
It was revealed by the BBC and producers at Banijay UK on Tuesday (July 15) that his contract will not be renewed.
However, Torode has since issued a statement on the sacking, saying he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him.
John Torode has been sacked from MasterChef (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, the TV chef said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of.
"The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.
"I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few days seem to have prevented that.'
He went on to say that Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials, which he recently filmed, 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows.
A post shared by John Torode (@johntorodecooks)
The statement concluded: "Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.
"I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.
"Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."
Australian-born chef John Torode first began presenting the BBC cooking contest MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005.
On Monday night (July 14), it was confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into Wallace's behaviour while filming the programme over 19 years.
Wallace stepped away from his role on MasterChef in 2024 while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
A report found that 45 out of 83 allegations made towards ex-MasterChef star, Gregg Wallace, were substantiated (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire) A report led by law firm Lewis Silkin, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.
Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation.
BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef would not be renewed.
When asked what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly, it was a serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.'
A post shared by Gregg Wallace MBE (@greggawallace)
Confirming Torode's exit, a Banijay spokesperson said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint.
"Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."
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A BBC spokesperson added that the allegation against Torode 'involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace' which was 'investigated and substantiated' by the independent investigation led by Lewis Silkin.
They said: '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.'