What John Torode said was 'so serious' BBC boss can't repeat it
John Torode's career has crumbled with the presenter axed from his lucrative and long-standing role on MasterChef for using a "serious racist term". The TV chef, 59, has insisted he does not remember saying the "offensive" remark, which he is said to have made eight years ago.
The presenter said he only learned about his sacking for using it through the BBC News website.
The claim came to light following an investigation into the misconduct of his MasterChef co-star Gregg Wallace. The report stated that two other people had substantiated claims about them.
Torode tjem outed himself as the individual accused of using a racist comment, which is said to be from 2018.
Lawyers Lewis Silkin have upheld the complaint against Torode, and 45 out of 83 accusations against Wallace were corroborated. Torode was sacked from MasterChef last night as he follows Wallace out the door.
In awkward timing - the MasterChef scandal erupted during the release of the BBC's annual report yesterday. Naturally, during the Q&A that followed, BBC Director General Tim Davie was grilled on the future on the show and what happen to Torode after he outed himself for making a racist remark.
At one point, top boss Davie insisted the slur was so severe he was not prepared to repeat it when asked by journalists.
Asked exactly what Torode said, Mr Davie last night replied: "I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form."
In relation to MasterChef's future, the BBC boss continued: "I absolutely think it does (have a future), 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."
Torode took to his Instagram late last night to address the scandal. 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. 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. 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 & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. JOHN TORODE."
A statement from Banijay UK said on Tuesday evening: "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."
The BBC also said: "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's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.'
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