John Torode to take legal action against BBC after MasterChef dismissal over alleged racist comment
John Torode is apparently gearing up to pursue legal proceedings against the BBC following his dismissal from MasterChef. The chef was axed from the cookery programme after accusations of using "an extremely offensive racist term" were substantiated.
Torode claimed he had "no recollection" of the incident - and revealed in a public statement that he'd only discovered his contract had been terminated when the BBC and production company Banijay released the announcement. Sources close to the television personality now reveal he's consulting employment solicitors as he battles to "clear his name".
"John is gearing up to file the legal challenge against the BBC," an insider reveals. "He wants to pursue them for wrongful dismissal. He's telling associates there's no evidence of his alleged remark.
"It wasn't during working hours, it was merely gossip. John is determined to restore his reputation."
The 59-year-old Torode departed the BBC alongside his MasterChef presenting partner Gregg Wallace amid claims of racist language.
The Australian television personality maintains he was unaware of the "offensive" remark he stands accused of making, despite solicitors Lewis Silkin supporting the complaint - reportedly dating back to 2018 - in their independent inquiry into the programme, reports the Mirror.
This followed the firm supporting 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace, 60, including "unwanted physical contact", "being in a state of undress", harassment and inappropriate humour.
Torode himself acknowledged he faced an accusation, stating: "I do not believe that it happened."
The source indicated the decision caught the Corporation off guard. "John is a tough talking Aussie and does not stand to ceremony. The BBC were not expecting John Torode to jump the gun about the comment and make a statement."
MasterChef's production company Banijay UK confirmed that after discussions with Torode and the BBC, they "are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef".
However, in a statement released on Tuesday night, Torode remarked: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I am seeing and reading I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef.
"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."
He announced that Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his final appearances.
"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else."
BBC Director General Davie, speaking to BBC News on Tuesday afternoon, described the allegation against Torode as involving "a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form. It's really important we are taking this seriously," he added. "We've drawn a line in the sand."
The Mirror has learned that ITV is poised to back John Torode and throw his television career a lifeline. Insiders at the broadcaster have indicated that there are "no current changes to scheduling" for the upcoming weekend, ensuring that the third instalment of 'John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen' will air as planned at 11.40am on Saturday.
The show, which Torode co-hosts with his wife Lisa Faulkner, celebrates its 10th anniversary series.
An ITV insider remarked: "I think we will keep going with the show. We don't know the details of the BBC issue and have never had any trouble with him ourselves. We obviously have our own complaints handling procedure and a code of conduct for talent at ITV. There have been no issues raised with John so the series is set to continue to air."
Another source commented on the situation's impact on Lisa, noting she is "conscious of their ITV show and doesn't want to jeopardise that."
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