John Torode confirms he's subject of racism allegation after Gregg Wallace row

Irish Daily Mirror

13 hours ago

MasterChef presenter John Torode has confirmed that he's at the centre of a claim involving the use of racist language, which surfaced during an investigation into his former co-presenter Gregg Wallace's behaviour.
The probe by legal firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay confirmed that 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, including two separate claims implicating others, with one concerning racist comments.
It has been reported that both the BBC and production company Banijay suggested Torode step down last week, citing mental health issues as the cause, a proposal he is said to have declined. The Mirror has reached out to the BBC and Torode's representative for a statement regarding this allegation.
On Instagram, Torode revealed he is the person alleged to have used racist language but claimed he has "no recollection of the incident" and stated he was "shocked and saddened".
His Instagram post stated: "Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld. For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion."
"The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that 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."
Comments were disabled on the statement he posted to Instagram on Monday evening, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, former MasterChef presenter Wallace previously declared he "wouldn't go quietly" after being axed from the BBC programme by production company Banijay.
Today Wallace reacted to the publication of the MasterChef review, stating that he "challenged" the groping allegation made against him that was upheld, but was unsuccessful.
The host maintained that "none of the serious allegations against me were upheld" despite the review finding him guilty of "unwanted touching" plus three instances of being in "a state of undress".
Blaming the BBC for failing to provide adequate support to help him reform, he warned that further issues lay ahead.
"In the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered."
The report, carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin, categorised the complaints into seven types. Out of the 45 complaints that were upheld, 12 involved inappropriate comments such as jokes and innuendo, 16 were sexually explicit remarks, three related to being in a state of undress, two concerned sexualised comments directed at or about someone, four pertained to cultural insensitivity or racism, seven were about bullying, and one was due to unwanted physical contact.
The BBC yesterday expressed its approval of the findings from Lewis Silkin and confirmed that Wallace had been notified "we have no plans to work with him in future".
Downing Street has acknowledged the importance of the investigation into allegations against Wallace. The UK Prime Minister's official spokesman stated today: "It's right that a thorough investigation has been conducted. We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace. We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future."
When questioned on whether a new series of MasterChef featuring Wallace, which is yet to be aired, should be broadcasted, the spokesman remarked: "It's a decision for the BBC, but clearly the BBC must take action to ensure that the public retains its trust in the handling of these matters. So we obviously welcome a decision to sever the ties with Gregg Wallace."
In a heartfelt statement to the PA news agency, Wallace said: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended."
He continued, "I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off."
Wallace reflected, "After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier."
He revealed a personal insight, stating, "A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake."
Concluding his statement, Wallace said, "To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last.
"There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move."