John Torode breaks silence over Masterchef sacking as he claims he was 'left in the dark' over BBC decision
John Torode has broken his silence over the BBC's decision to sack him from MasterChef in a shocking development for the programme. The news comes shortly after Gregg Wallace, 60, was let go from the BBC series following an inquiry into his conduct, and now John, 59, has been removed due to a past allegation of racism.
In a startling revelation, John, who has been at the helm of MasterChef for nearly two decades, acknowledged earlier this week that he was the individual accused of using racist language following an investigation into his former co-presenter. Nevertheless, John maintains he has no recollection of the remark and denies it took place.
Amidst the controversy, he has been relieved of his duties on the popular cooking show, with the BBC announcing that John Torode had "identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him."
The statement went on: "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."
Shortly after the BBC's revelation, John took to Instagram to express that he had been kept in the dark about his departure.
His statement on Instagram read: "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.
"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. 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 and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. JOHN TORODE."
Gregg, who has been a staple on MasterChef since its inception in 2005, has also been dismissed from the show following an investigation by production company Banijay.
The inquiry confirmed that 45 out of 83 allegations against the father of three were substantiated.
Additionally, the report shed light on two other claims, one of which involved racist comments.
Banijay released a statement saying they took the situation "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, " they announced.
"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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