Latest news with #Silkins
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Masterchef's John Torode reveals racist language allegation in Wallace review
Masterchef's John Torode has confirmed he was subject to an allegation of racist language inside the bombshell Gregg Wallace review. The 59-year-old TV chef revealed the incident as part of the Silkins review looking into his co-presenter Wallace's behaviour in which 45 allegations were upheld against out of a total of 83. The report, commissioned by MasterChef production company Banijay UK, resulted in Wallace being officially removed from the BBC reality cooking show. In a statement addressing the racist language allegation on his Instagram, Torode confirmed he was the individual 'who is alleged to have used racist language on one occasion' for the 'sake of transparency. He continued: '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.' It has been claimed by The Sun that Torode was asked to resign by the BBC over the weekend. The latest revelations come after Wallace, 60, apologised following his axe from the show and the report coming out which detailed the upheld allegations including one case of 'unwelcome physical contact'. In a statement, the disgraced TV personality said he was 'deeply sorry' and that he 'never set out to harm or humilate anyone'. More Trending He added: '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.' The majority of the substantiated allegations took place between 2005 and 2018 and related to 'inappropriate sexual language and humour', the report shared. Metro has reached out to the BBC for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Gregg Wallace's final MasterChef series should air – his behaviour isn't contestants' fault MORE: Inside MasterChef star Grace Dent's career and private life as she 'replaces Gregg Wallace' MORE: I'm a Celeb star lined up to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gregg Wallace Report: Presenter's Position 'Untenable' After 45 Allegations Substantiated While Law Firm Reveals Complaints Made About Others On ‘MasterChef'
Nearly 50 allegations against ex-MasterChef host Gregg Wallace have been substantiated by Banijay's report into his behavior, making his position 'untenable,' while the report uncovered allegations against others on MasterChef. Banijay's executive summary of the report into Wallace confirmed the much-reported decision that he has been fired by the company after a spate of allegations of inappropriate sexual language and humor, along with unwarranted physical contact. More from Deadline BBC To Publish Delayed Review Of Gaza Doc Debacle: "Everyone Feels Like They Could Be The Fall Guy" Gregg Wallace: Banijay Hired Welfare Coach To Support 'MasterChef' Star For Months Amid Misconduct Claims BBC Tells 'MasterChef' Host Gregg Wallace: Your Conduct Is Threat To Safety Of Co-Workers Conducted by independent law firm Silkins, the report substantiated a weighty 45 allegations out of the 83 that were made. The full report will not be published and a six-page executive summary was made available this morning to press. The majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace relate to inappropriate sexual language and humor. There were a small number of other inappropriate language complaints and of him being in a state of undress. One incident of unwelcome physical contact was substantiated, the report found. 'The volume and consistency of substantiated allegations, ranging between 2005 and 2024, make Gregg Wallace's return to MasterChef untenable,' said Banijay boss Patrick Holland's statement this morning. Wallace was stood down late last year following allegations from around a dozen women including ex-Newsnight host Kirsty Wark about his behavior. Another 50 allegations were reported in a BBC News expose last week, at which point Wallace blasted BBC News for chasing 'slanderous click-bait' and publishing 'uncorroborated tittle tattle.' BBC News is editorially independent of the BBC, although it was the producer Banijay that conducted the report. The BBC has already told Wallace it can no longer work with him due to his behavior being a threat to the safety of others. The majority of the substantiated allegations were found to have been made between 2005 and 2011, with only one made between 2019 and 2024. However, during that time, the report found that there were at least 11 formal or informal complaints made about Wallace's behavior. Of the eight which were understood at the time to be complaints or concerns: four were raised to both the production company and with the BBC, two were raised only with the production company and two were raised only with the BBC. The report found that one complaint with Banijay resulted in a 2015 investigation and action was taken to ensure the complainant was satisfied with the outcome, albeit Wallace was 'not informed about the complaint', while two years later the BBC took 'prompt steps' to address a different complaint. It has been reported that BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips, who was then overseeing MasterChef, sat down with Wallace for 90 minutes to chide him over his behavior. He remained working on MasterChef for a further six years. The investigation was critical of the informal approach to complaints about Wallace made across the lengthy period. Things have improved significantly, it added, especially since Endemol Shine Group was bought by Banijay in 2020. 'There was a tendency to address the concern informally on a case-by-case basis and not therefore consider each issue as additive to any prior allegations or to matters which had been observed by senior members of staff,' it added. 'There was a failure to retain records of any action taken, particularly in the earlier years between 2005-2011, with the result that the effectiveness of any action taken could not be assessed. When addressed formally, issues were still not always raised clearly and directly with Mr Wallace, to the extent that he remained unaware of some, (although not all), of these concerns until the allegation arose in the press.' Allegations go beyond Wallace Notably, 10 standalone allegations were made against others over the period 2012 to 2019, according to the report, with two of these having been substantiated. It gave no further detail over these. In its own statement, the BBC said it 'takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.' The report also stressed Wallace's recent autism diagnosis, which he discussed in his own statement last week. It said the 'findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.' 'Mr Wallace's neurodiversity diagnosis is considered highly relevant in the context of the findings made, particularly regarding his use of humour as a 'masking' technique and his difficulty in reading social cues,' it added. 'Mr Wallace accepts that his diagnosis may help to explain some of his actions, but he does not wish to hide behind it.' Deadline revealed last week that Banijay hired a full-time welfare specialist to support Wallace as he faced the misconduct allegations. Holland, a former BBC Two chief who runs Banijay in the UK, said the report 'provides much needed clarity on issues spanning almost 20 years.' 'Whilst it makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures, it also provides valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with,' he added. He said Banijay will be launching an 'externally run whistleblowing service across all our productions with immediate effect.' '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,' he added. Final 'MasterChef' season Much has also been made of the broadcast of the final season of MasterChef to feature Wallace, which was made prior to the mountain of allegations. He has since been replaced as host by Grace Dent. At this point, the BBC said 'we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year,' adding: We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' The BBC pulled the Christmas specials of MasterChef late last year, which featured of Deadline 'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Soundtrack: From Griff To Sabrina Carpenter 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I'm A Celeb star to 'permanently replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef'
Food critic Grace Dent, 51, is said to be replacing Gregg Wallace, 60, on MasterChef UK after the TV host was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay I'm a Celebrity star Grace Dent is said to be replacing Gregg Wallace on MasterChef UK. A source has claimed the food critic, 51, will appear on the show alongside John Torode, 59, with filming set to begin at the end of summer. The claims emerged days after Gregg, 60, shared a statement warning he would "not go quietly" after he was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay as 50 more people came forward to make allegations of misconduct, which he strongly denies. According to the insider, Grace, who replaced Gregg on Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year, is "a natural fit" for the show. The source added that Grace "loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show." READ MORE: John Torode breaks social media silence after Gregg Wallace sacking and BBC ban They told The Sun: "Filming is expected to start at the end of the summer through December. They are also filming at new studios in Birmingham, so it will be a fresh start all round." When it was confirmed in December last year that Grace, who starred on I'm a Celebrity in 2023 but left on medical grounds after nine days, was stepping in for Celebrity MasterChef, she said: "I've been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. "My whole family watches it. It's all about uncovering and championing talent, and to have ended up in this position is more than a dream to me. I'm so excited that I can't eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. "I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef. I can't wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025." Jon added of her colleague: "I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges." The news emerged just days after Gregg issued a furious statement on social media, claiming that the Silkin's Report into his alleged misconduct"exonerates him of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year." In a lengthy post shared on social media, he wrote: "I've taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report - a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. "I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation." He added: "My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins. The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism. "It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories. The BBC is choosing to allow BBC News to run with this uncorroborated tittle tattle in an attempt to 'get ahead' of the Silkin's summary report and derail what has been an extremely thorough process." A BBC spokesperson said: "Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published." The Mirror has reached out to MasterChef and Grace Dent's representatives for comment.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gregg Wallace to sue BBC over alleged autism discrimination
Gregg Wallace is reportedly preparing to take legal action against the BBC and the production team behind MasterChef, claiming he was discriminated against due to his autism following his dismissal from the long-running series. The TV presenter and former greengrocer, 59, is at the centre of a formal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct during his time on the show. Yesterday, it was revealed that 50 more people had approached the corporation with claims about the TV presenter. Last year the 60-year-old confirmed he was stepping away from MasterChef amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. He faced accusations of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes' and lewd comments on set, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. While Wallace strongly denies any serious misconduct – including accusations of groping – he admits that his behaviour may have been misinterpreted and attributes much of it to social misunderstandings stemming from his autism, which he was only formally diagnosed with recently. Insiders suggest that Wallace is arguing his sense of humour and communication style was misunderstood in a neurotypical working environment. 'Gregg is guilty of bad jokes and rough humour,' a source told The Telegraph. 'But so many people on the show talked openly about suspecting that he had autism for years before he got his diagnosis.' Wallace, who has been a staple of the BBC's food programming for nearly two decades, claims that his dismissal amounts to workplace discrimination, and sources close to the presenter say he is seeking legal redress under disability rights protections. The BBC has not yet publicly commented on the potential lawsuit or the findings of the internal review, which are expected to outline a pattern of behaviour deemed inappropriate by production staff over several years. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After BBC News revealed that 50 more individuals had spoken out against Wallace, the TV presenter took to social media. Writing on Instagram, he said: 'After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. 'I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. 'The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation. More Trending 'My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins.' Wallace continued: 'To be clear, the Silkin's Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. 'I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.' View More » Metro has reached out to The BBC for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC faces major dilemma over unaired Gregg Wallace-fronted MasterChef season MORE: I've worked with a lot of celebrities – Gregg Wallace was the worst MORE: Gregg Wallace 'claims he suffered suspected heart attack' before bombshell BBC investigation
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC faces major dilemma over unaired Gregg Wallace-fronted MasterChef season
The BBC is facing a new crisis over whether or not to show an unaired season of MasterChef that features Gregg Wallace prominently. Yesterday it was revealed that 50 more people had approached the corporation with fresh claims about the TV presenter, who is at the centre of a sexual misconduct investigation. Last year the 60-year-old confirmed he was stepping away from MasterChef amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. He faced accusations of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes' and lewd comments on set, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. Wallace and his lawyers have fiercely denied the allegations, saying 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. But now, according to the Guardian, BBC director general Tim Davie is facing a tough decision over whether or not to air the latest series of MasterChef that features Wallace. The publication report that this year's series, which was recorded in 2024, shows Wallace as a judge right up until the series finale. Wallace's presence throughout is believed to be so significant that editing him out is 'not a realistic option'. But if the series is shelved, it could see contestants denied life-changing opportunities. After BBC News revealed that 50 more individuals had spoken out against Wallace, the TV presenter hit back at the corporation in a scathing social media post. Writing on Instagram, he said: 'After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. 'I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. 'The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation. 'My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins.' Wallace continued: 'To be clear, the Silkin's Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. 'I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.' According to BBC News, one woman – Alice – says Wallace took his trousers down in front of her in a dressing room, in what she described as 'disgusting and predatory' behaviour. However, despite raising concerns she was reportedly told by a senior member of Shine's production team: 'You're over 16, you're not being 'Jimmy Saviled'.' Last night it was also revealed that a source told The Sun that Wallace had a 'suspected heart attack' just days before the Silkins report was set to be released. More Trending The source said Wallace claimed he went to the hospital in Kent after suffering chest pains. 'The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell,' he reportedly told a friend. A BBC spokesperson told Metro: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. View More » We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I've worked with a lot of celebrities – Gregg Wallace was the worst MORE: Gregg Wallace 'claims he suffered suspected heart attack' before bombshell BBC investigation MORE: John McEnroe clarifies 'disrespectful' Rafael Nadal comment during Wimbledon coverage
