Over half of allegations against ex-MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace substantiated, report
The show's production company, Banijay UK, announced last November that Wallace would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
The report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018.
It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour'.
It added that a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated, with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also upheld.
The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.
It was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated'.
Wallace, 60, has been 'co-operative and forthcoming' and was interviewed three times by the investigations team, for a total of 14 hours of interview. But Banijay said that his return to MasterChef is untenable following the number of sustained allegations.
Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', it also provided insight to ensure that it does not happen again.
Advertisement
He added that it was 'clear' that the correct escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been prior to 2016 and that awareness policies were lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff.
Holland said: 'We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed.'
The BBC also said it has informed Wallace that it has no plans to work with him in future, adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years.
'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us,' it said.
The broadcaster accepted that more could and should have been done sooner, despite not having knowledge at the time of the 'full extent of these issues'. The BBC added that it would not be broadcasting a series of MasterChef which was filmed last year.
Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.'
A statement from Wallace's lawyers to BBC News last year said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'.
In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' caused and said he would 'take some time out'.
Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on 8 July that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him.
He added that his neurodiversity had 'now formally [been] diagnosed as autism', saying in the social media post that it was 'suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef'.
His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
BBC presenter & film producer left six-figure sum for his wife after death aged 95
A FORMER BBC presenter and film producer left a six-figure sum for his wife following his death last year, aged 95. Tony Soper, the former BBC wildlife presenter, died in September 2024 and left a £628k fortune to his family. 4 Wildlife presenter Tony Soper died last year, aged 95 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 He left a £628k fortune to his family following his death Credit: Getty 4 Tony Soper Date: 19/06/69 Photo: Salmon Neg No: W6104 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Soper left instructions in his will for his estate to pass to his wife Hilary, who he had lived with in a home in Slapton, Devon. He was born in Southampton in 1929 and brought up in Plymouth. It was there that he began his long career at the BBC as a trainee engineer in 1947 before progressing onto radio and producing. His TV break came when he filled in as unofficial assistant floor manager for Wild Geese in Winter in 1954. Read more Showbiz news And his debut as a presenter was on Animal Magic with Johnny Morris in the 1960s. He was the co-founder of the BBC's Natural History Unit which began in 1957 in Bristol and has produced countless wildlife programmes around the globe. The unit has become world renowned and produced the Planet Earth series narrated by another wildlife icon, Sir David Attenborough. According to his , he started working as a freelancer in 1963 so he could live closer to the sea in Devon. Most read in Showbiz As well as a wildlife camera operator, Soper was also a film producer and went on to present a number of TV shows. His skill in front of the camera earned him the nickname 'One-take Tony'. BBC presenter Tony Soper introduces Birdwatch He presented Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals, Beside the Sea, Wildtrack and Nature. Soper later pursued a career in leading wildlife cruises to the He also penned a string of books about wildlife in the UK and further afield. Following his sad passing last September, former colleagues flocked to social media to Lorraine Kelly said at the time: "On one of my very first shows presenting on TVam, this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on owls. "He was a joy and a delight." Wildlife presenter Stephen Moss said: "Very sad news - Tony Soper was a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters. "I had the huge privilege of working with Tony and getting to know him. "The last person who was there at the start of the BBC Natural History Unit - a lovely man." Soper is survived by his wife Hilary, his two sons Tim and Jack and his five grandchildren. 4 Soper began his career at the BBC as a trainee engineer in 1947 Credit: Collect
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
John Torode and Gregg Wallace ‘were never friends' and bitter feud broke out amid Masterchef scandal
MASTERCHEF hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace had a secret feud behind the scenes of the hit BBC show, claims a bombshell new report. According to an in-depth BBC News investigation into the scandal surrounding the series and the shamed duo who have hosted it for two decades, Torode, 59, and Wallace, 60, were "never friends" off camera. 6 Gregg Wallace and John Torode were not close behind the scenes, according to those who worked on the show 6 John is said to have 'rolled his eyes' when Gregg made crude gags 6 The pair fronted the show together for 20 years Credit: PA And the article goes on to claim that their professional relationship "is believed to have broken down" behind the scenes too. "Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off," a source who worked on the show told the outlet. The insider claimed that "When Gregg was saying inappropriate things like that, John held his counsel. I never saw him step in," the source is quoted as saying. read more on masterchef Another source speaking to the publication, who said something "seemed off" between the pair, backed this up. They added: "John would eye roll but not say anything." The report also suggests Torode tried to publicly distance himself from Wallace last December He referred to the allegations against his former co-host as "truly upsetting" in a social media post. Most read in TV Meanwhile, insiders allege that Wallace would brief against Torode. Certainly, in a now-deleted instagram post from last week, Wallace appeared to hint that there was more turmoil ahead for his former co-host. John Torode SACKED from MasterChef after 'racist remark' in another blow for scandal-hit show after Gregg Wallace saga "What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I'm sure the public, would like to know why?" he said. Wallace, 60, was officially sacked this week by the BBC and production compoany Banijay after an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct on the show between 2005 and 2024. A total of But the report also said that two allegations against two other individuals had been upheld. 6 Gregg was officially sacked this week after being suspended last week Credit: BBC 6 Days later John was also sacked over the use of a racial slur Credit: BBC Torode went public on Monday to confirm that one of the complaints was against him. He said: 'I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. 'I have absolutely no recollection of this and I do not believe that it happened.' The following day the BBC and Banijay announced they had sacked him. The Sun reported on Thursday that John allegedly used the N-word while repeating lyrics from rapper Kanye West's hit Gold Digger, which contain the racial slur, at an after-work gathering six or seven years ago. 6 Gregg and John during a promo appearance to promote Masterchef Credit: Rex
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
John Torode ‘directed N-word at member of staff on Masterchef set as well as singing Kanye West song', claims insider
JOHN Torode directed the N-word at staff member as well as singing it in a Kanye West song, claimed a source. We reported yesterday how the MasterChef star, 59, 5 The BBC sacked Torode this week for using an "extremely offensive racist term" Credit: PA 5 Gregg Wallace has also been fired after the report upheld 45 of 83 allegations against him Credit: BBC 5 Insiders claimed the pair "were never friends" when filming ended Credit: PA Torode is said to have used the word again while chatting to a pal on the BBC show's production team - who did not take offence. Torode, who vehemently denies ever using the N-word, is 'utterly devastated' by the accusations and has "absolutely no recollection". He was sacked this week after an investigation by the Beeb and production company Banijay - which also saw former co-host Gregg Wallace axed for inappropriate behaviour. However, Read More The allegation was actually in reference to an incident that unfolded a year before. An insider claimed Torode used the "extremely offensive racist term" on set after filming a MasterChef episode. It was allegedly directed towards a member of staff. And, there were eight further complaints lodged against Torode, which ranged from alleged racist comments, sexual remarks and abusive language towards junior production employees. Most read in News TV But, they were not upheld due to lack of evidence. The report has also highlighted a complaint against a third unnamed person for swearing. MasterChef Hosts in Feud: Gregg Wallace vs John Torode According to the BBC, this is in reference to a senior exec on the show. The company also lifted the lid on Torode and Wallace's partnership and how the on-screen pals were "never friends" behind the scenes. An ex-staffer claimed: "Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off. "And when Gregg was saying inappropriate things like that, John held his counsel. I never saw him step in." 5 Wallace unfollowed Torode and his wife after the investigation was launched last year Credit: BBC 5 The investigation also looked into eight further complaints against Torode, but they were dismissed Credit: BBC He even confessed to When allegations about In his brief statement, he said the "thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear". It was enough to reportedly 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.' This comes after a source told The Sun Torode is in "a pretty bad way — he's feeling very fragile" since being sacked this week. 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. But the host was only spoken to by a representative from legal firm Lewis Silkin at the end of June A source added: 'One of the allegations is that he said the N-word while repeating Kanye's Gold Digger song during a gathering with his colleagues when filming had ended. John is adamant he would never have used the N-word and only knows the radio version of the song which says, 'Now I ain't sayin' she a gold digger, but she ain't messin' with no broke, broke'. The clean version of the song is the only one he knows. 'The person who raised the complaint didn't say anything at the time. So John only found out a few weeks ago that this issue had been raised. 'This has hit him like a ton of bricks as he does not recall it. 'He insists he would never have repeated the N-word in those lyrics because he only knows the radio edit of that song.' A source added: 'John is devastated by all of this. He is being supported by his wife Lisa and friends. They're keeping him close because he has really been struggling. 'John abhors this kind of language and does not recall ever reciting a racist slur in a lyric, or directing one to someone he considered a friend at work. 'He adored MasterChef. It was a huge part of his life. To have it all ending like this is awful.' The majority were inappropriate sexual language. One related to unwanted touching. BBC boss Tim Davie has since He said: "I absolutely think it does, I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. "It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show." Meanwhile, Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner has 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
