John Torode AXED from MasterChef after ‘racist remark' as BBC slam ‘extremely offensive' term
The BBC have axed the TV host and slammed an "extremely offensive" term raised in the Lewis Silkin investigation.
It comes as the report upheld 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour against his co-host Gregg Wallace, who was also axed last week.
The dossier also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase once several years ago.
Torode confirmed to The Sun it referred to him, but said: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.'
The BBC also told the MasterChef presenter to pretend he had mental health issues after accusing him of racism, it was claimed.
The stunned Aussie, 59, was asked to resign over the weekend after being dragged into the Gregg Wallace scandal.
A BBC spokesperson has now confirmed Torode has been axed from the show.
A statement read: '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.'
Banijay wrote a statement which added: "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."
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