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BBC's witch-hunt against talent is getting ever more extreme – John Torode doesn't deserve to go down like Gregg Wallace

BBC's witch-hunt against talent is getting ever more extreme – John Torode doesn't deserve to go down like Gregg Wallace

The Irish Sun21 hours ago
GREGG Wallace had pledged in his damning statement there would be 'more casualties' from the BBC's hapless handling of the investigation into him.
If the BBC has its way then John Torode will be the next.
2
John Torode does not deserve to go down like Gregg Wallace
Credit: Alamy
2
John married ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner
Credit: Getty - Contributor
Which beggars the question, where the hell does this all end?
In its desperate efforts to save its mighty cash cow, MasterChef, from ­cancellation, the
Gregg's behaviour, by his own admission, was unacceptable.
But poor John is now being hauled down with him.
READ MORE ON GREGG WALLACE
His mistake? Telling a story, that he cannot remember telling, in a bar seven or eight years ago, and using an offensive term.
As soon as he was informed the term was racist,
No complaint was made.
Nobody ­actually knows when it happened. Or if it happened.
Most read in News TV
Certainly John doesn't believe it happened.
Now, so desperate to clean up its house, or indeed kitchen, is Auntie, that she is asking John to jump before he is pushed.
'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS
Incredibly, they suggested he
How, in this day and age, was this allowed to happen?
Quite rightly, John refused.
Putting matters of ethics to one side, the BBC's witch-hunt against its talent is becoming ever more extreme.
To be clear, Gregg should have gone — but if this isolated incident is his only offence, John does not deserve to go down too.
At this rate, there will be no-one left to present its shows.
What were the main findings of the report?
FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated.
An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace.
The report substantiated:
- Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo;
- Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments;
- Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone;
- Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments;
- Three claims that he was in a state of undress;
- Seven allegations of bullying;
- One allegation of unwanted touching.
The allegations span from 2005 to 2024.
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John Torode breaks his silence after being SACKED from MasterChef over ‘racist remark' amid Gregg Wallace scandal
John Torode breaks his silence after being SACKED from MasterChef over ‘racist remark' amid Gregg Wallace scandal

The Irish Sun

time30 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

John Torode breaks his silence after being SACKED from MasterChef over ‘racist remark' amid Gregg Wallace scandal

MASTERCHEF host John Torode has spoken out for the first time after being sacked from the show for allegedly making a "serious" racist remark. BBC bosses in into co-host 3 John Torode, 59, was sacked from MasterChef on Tuesday after being accused of making a racist remark during production of the show Credit: Alamy 3 The allegation was revealed in a report that looked into behaviour of Torode's co-host Gregg Wallace Credit: PA 3 Torode was allegedly asked to resign over the weekend and cite mental health issues before he was sacked Credit: Getty Today, Torode finally spoke out against the allegations and his sacking, claiming he had "no recollection" of what he was accused of. He 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 last few days seem to have prevented that. Read More on MasterChef "Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. "Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. "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." He added: "I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. Most read in News TV "My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. "Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. "Thank you for the many years of MasterChef." The dossier into Wallace's behaviour upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase on one occasion several years ago. Torode previously told The Sun that this comment referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' It was claimed the BBC told the presenter to pretend he had mental health issues and resign, after he was Confirming his sacking on Tuesday, a statement from the BBC read: "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 SACKED from MasterChef after 'racist remark' in another blow for scandal-hit show after Gregg Wallace saga "John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed." Banijay wrote a statement which added: "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." cooking show with Wallace since 2005, was shocked to be told of the allegation — which did not receive a complaint at the time but had been raised with investigators. The BBC was unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. MasterChef scandal timeline 2005 to 2011: Problems with MasterChef began way back in the mid-2000s, with 27 substantiated claims made against host Gregg Wallace regarding alleged incidents in this period, according to a report by law firm Lewis Silkin. Most of these were related to sexually explicit comments, although one allegation of unwanted physical contact in this period was also substantiated. The same report found there was a failure by the production company to retain records of any actions taken during this time. 2012 to 2018: Another 17 allegations were upheld from this period, according to the report. The production company behind MasterChef investigated an allegation about Wallace's behaviour in 2015 - but he was not made aware of the complaint. In 2016, the production company merged with Endemol, introducing more formal policies as well as regular training and anonymous reporting lines. The BBC intervened in response to a complaint in 2017, after which Wallace was then warned to change his behaviour. 2019 to 2024: One substantiated complaint about an inappropriate comment was from this time period. November 2024: Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a 17-year period on a range of TV shows. He steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay - the show's production company - announces it will conduct an external review to 'fully and impartially investigate' the claims against him. Some of these allegations included Wallace 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay UK also confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. December 2024: Wallace posts a video on Instagram which claims accusations against him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. His remarks are widely panned as "inappropriate and misogynistic', causing Wallace to apologise for any 'offence' or 'upset' he caused with his remarks, saying he will 'take some time out'. Co-host John Torode says he 'loves being part of' the show and 'will continue to be a part of it'. July 8 to 9, 2025: Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following an enquiry into his alleged misconduct by Banijay. In an Instagram post, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognised that some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. July 14, 2025: Lewis Silkin publishes its report, on behalf of Banijay. It says that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. It concludes that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'. In the wake of the report's findings, Banijay says that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable'. July 15, 2025 : Co-host Torode is sacked after allegedly making a racist remark while on the show. BBC bosses axe the TV host and slam an "extremely offensive" term, which was raised in the bombshell report into Gregg Wallace's "inappropriate behaviour". Torode says the comment - which the report attributed to an unnamed person - referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' Sources said the BBC and production company Banijay asked John to resign from the beleaguered show last week and claim he had mental health problems — to which he refused. However John — The dad of four said: 'The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and 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.' It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. They went on: 'He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. "The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified. 'The witness even stated he didn't use the term as a slur. 'No one complained at the time, but it's been brought up during the inquiry. "Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld." What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024. The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back. He was told to have his answer by Monday. A source claimed: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. "To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star." Melbourne-born John moved to the UK in 1991 and started working in London restaurants including Quaglino's. It was there he met greengrocer Wallace, who provided their veg. He started cooking on This Morning in 1996 before he and Wallace began hosting the revamped MasterChef in 2005.

Galway International Arts Festival 2025: Locals and visitors react as festival opens in Eyre Square
Galway International Arts Festival 2025: Locals and visitors react as festival opens in Eyre Square

Irish Independent

time34 minutes ago

  • Irish Independent

Galway International Arts Festival 2025: Locals and visitors react as festival opens in Eyre Square

Now in its 48th year, the festival started on Monday July 14 and will run until July 27. Despite the wet start, with Met Eireann issuing a thunderstorm warning for most of Monday afternoon, the event has already attracted hundreds of expectant people from far and wide. Ames: New to Galway, excited for first arts festival Speaking to the Irish Independent at the Festival Garden in Eyre Square, Ames, who has only been living in the town of the Tribes for five weeks, said he loves the atmosphere already. 'It's absolutely lovely. Everybody's very cheerful and the arts are absolutely beautiful. Talking about the shows ahead, he added: 'I'm going to be looking at the schedule soon. It's all new to me, but it's very exciting. I was a big, big fan of the arts festivals in the States and I come from Tucson, which is known for gemstones and art festivals. So I'm just super excited.' John: Galway native celebrates festival tradition Not too far from him we met Galway city native John, who said he has enjoyed GIAF since he was a child. 'It's quite a fun time, it always brings a lovely vibrant energy to the city. I love to just exploring and walk around.' 'There's a lot of stuff when you finish work, people in the city can just run up to it and have a look at it. I think that's what makes the Galway Arts Festival so unique. 'It's so accessible for everyone. We've just walked up the city there and we've been to two installations already and I think that's what makes it so unique. It's kind of alive. It's not in a gallery, behind a building or something, it's alive,' he said. Eve: 20-year resident says festival has 'something for everyone' Eve is also a festival regular as she has been living in Galway city for 20 years. She explained that her favourite thing about the festival is that 'there's something for everyone'. She added: 'I think everybody from Galway loves [the festival],' she said. 'It brings a real great vibe and you get to see nice things. It's something different, like the circus last night was amazing with Sabotage. So I'd say anyone out there, come to Galway.' The festival is also a special event for staff and business owners. The much-loved Tiny Traders Market has been set up in the festival garden and will use the opportunity to showcase some of its vendors. Martha Begley Schade: Author calls festival stall 'fantastic honour' One of those sellers is children books author, Martha Begley Schade, who said it is a 'fantastic honour and pleasure' for her to be part of it and have a stall at the Festival Garden. She said: 'I think it's absolutely wonderful. The atmosphere here is just really great. People are friendly and there's a class, a class feeling about being here. I'm never asked 'are you the author?' Because people just take it for granted that this is the standard that we're bringing. 'It's a wonderful opportunity to actually showcase your products and a bit of Galway to right around the world and it's a lovely feeling because I do feel I'm representing Galway in a small way. 'My dream is that the books will have an impact, so that I have a positive influence on children growing up and being better adults. So can you imagine taking that out onto an international stage? It's a wonderful feeling and I'm really appreciative of the fact that I could be here. Plus all this staff here, the security guys, the guys with the coffee, it's a really fantastic honour and pleasure to be here.' Headline acts and diverse programming A variety of acts are on offer at this year's festival. Locally formed band The Stunning return to familiar territory when they perform at the Heineken Big Top on July 26. Further headline acts consist of Irish bands Kingfishr (July 20), Picture This (July 21-22) and the Mary Wallopers (July 19), while Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Natasha Bedingfield will also take to the Big Top on July 17. There is plenty more on offer outside of just music. A variety of visual arts performances, talks, and theatre shows will take place in venues across the city. The hefty list of shows includes Oh… a solo show by Mikel Murfi set in the main tank of Galway Atlantaquaria and shows Scorched Earth by Luke Murphy and The Cave by Caitríona McLaughlin and starring Aaron Monaghan, Judith Roddy and Tommy Tiernan.

‘Annabelle doll' handler Dan Rivera dies suddenly at 54 while touring with America's most infamous ‘haunted' object
‘Annabelle doll' handler Dan Rivera dies suddenly at 54 while touring with America's most infamous ‘haunted' object

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

‘Annabelle doll' handler Dan Rivera dies suddenly at 54 while touring with America's most infamous ‘haunted' object

A PARANORMAL investigator has died while traveling across the US with the real purportedly haunted doll that inspired the horror movie series Annabelle. Dan Rivera, 54, was found dead inside his hotel room while handling the doll known as America's most haunted object. 4 Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, has died while traveling across the US with a purportedly haunted doll Credit: Instagram/dan_rivera_nespr 4 The Annabelle doll reportedly wreaked havoc on a family in the 1970s and inspired a horror movie series Credit: Alamy 4 A recreation of the doll was made for the movies Credit: Getty He had stopped in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during his Devils on the Run tour when he was found on Sunday night, according to the First responders performed CPR, but he couldn't be saved, the New England Society for Psychic Research, which was hosting the tour, announced. Rivera's official cause of death hasn't been released. The investigator has been remembered as a beloved friend who was passionate about educating others on paranormal activity. read more news stories All three of his shows scheduled for the Gettysburg stop were sold out. "We are heartbroken and still processing this loss," wrote the society. "Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. "His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him." Most read in The US Sun Rivera, who is a US Army veteran, was working as the lead investigator for the society when he died. His death came just months after he achieved viral fame on TikTok by posting about his paranormal tour and findings on the historic doll. The real Annabelle, a Raggedy Ann doll, has been blamed for several eerie paranormal attacks over the decades. The toy was first given to a student nurse Donna in 1970 as a gift from her mother. Donna claims that Annabelle would move from room to room without explanation, and wrote eerie notes that said "Help us." A friend of Donna's mother named Lou even claimed that one time when staying at their home, he woke up to a feeling of being strangled and had scratches on his body. He remembers watching his horror as Annabelle stared at him during the attack, according to the society. The New England Society for Psychic Research's full statement on Rivera's death " It's with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera. " We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. " Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. " His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. " Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time. " HAUNTING HISTORY Donna's mom and her nurse called a medium, who told them the story of a girl named Annabelle Higgins who was found dead at the age of seven. They then called paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who inspired The Conjuring films, to look into the eerie claims. In a lecture given at Rutgers University in 1987, the Warrens claimed that Annabelle would "slash" people's skin with her psychic powers. They said that a priest threw the doll across the room once and said, "No doll or demon is stronger than God" before running his car into a tree. The doll was being held at the Warrens' Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, until 2019, when Lorraine died and the museum closed. Legend has it that a man was killed by the doll after he banged on its case, despite being warned not to touch it. Rivera, who was mentored by the couple, took ownership of Annabelle and hoped to continue their work with his research and tour. His sudden death came after the Warren family had to squash claims that the doll had disappeared. 4 Rivera's cause of death hasn't been released Credit: Instagram/dan_rivera_nespr More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at

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