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The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside MasterChef production company's ‘mortifying' summer party just hours after John Torode sacking
THE production company behind scandal-hit MasterChef was left blushing last night as the BBC show's latest behind-the-scenes drama overshadowed its big summer party. Just hours before Banijay UK hosted its 'Summer Showcase' event at The Brewery in London, John Torode was axed from the programme. 5 5 The Australian chef, 59, who has hosted the show since 2005 was sacked for a racist comment he allegedly made seven years ago, which he has no recollection and denied ever saying. Guests at the bash called the ill-timed night "the most awkward thing ever" and said that Torode's exit was all anyone could talk about. An insider told The Sun: 'It couldn't have happened on a worse day. Obviously it had been in the diary for months but it was so embarrassing for the big bosses at Banijay. "It was billed as their big showcase where they show off all their upcoming shows, and they have everyone there from production staff to stakeholders and commissioners from all the key channels. "Unfortunately, given that they announced the sacking of John Torode just hours before the party kicked off, it was all anyone could talk about. It was the most awkward party ever. "The MasterChef situation was the gossip of the night, on what should have been an occasion to celebrate the company's successes and crow about what they had coming up. "The big wigs didn't want to cancel it as that wouldn't have been a good look, but the powers that be couldn't wait for it to be over.' Banijay UK declined to comment. BBC bosses branded the term Torode allegedly used "extremely offensive". His exit followed the release of a report that upheld 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour against his co-host Gregg Wallace, who was axed last week. 'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS The dossier also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase once several years ago. BBC's MasterChef meltdown 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.' Not long after Torode had spoken out, a BBC spokesperson 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.' 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. 5 5 5 "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." Torode, who has hosted the BBC1 cooking show with Wallace since 2005, was shocked to be told of the allegation — which did not receive a complaint at the time but had been raised with investigators. 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.' 'SHOCKED AND APPALLED' It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. They went on: 'He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. "The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified. 'The witness even stated he didn't use the term as a slur. 'No one complained at the time, but it's been brought up during the inquiry. "Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld." The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back. He was told to have his answer by Monday. A source claimed: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. "To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. 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 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star.' 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. GREGG WALLACE SCANDAL The bombshell inquiry, carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay, unveiled a litany of complaints against Gregg Wallace. The report found out of the 83 allegations against the host, 45 were substantiated. Most of them involved inappropriate sexual language and humour. Of the substantiated claims regarding Wallace, some related to other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress, and one case of unwanted physical contact. The report concluded 94 per cent of the allegations against Wallace related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. There was one substantiated allegation after 2018. Claims we've previously reported about Gregg THE report upheld 45 out of the 83 complaints made. Here we take a look at the allegations made against the TV star: - November 28, 2024 Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News. The TV star steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay, the show's production company, announces it is conducting an external review to "fully and impartially investigate" the claims against him. BBC News says allegations include the presenter "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". Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, says he told "sexualised" jokes during filming. Model Ulrika Jonsson tells The Telegraph that when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, Wallace allegedly had to apologise after making a "rape joke", which caused another female contestant to become "really distressed". Sir Rod Stewart takes to Instagram following the accusations, accusing Wallace of "humiliating" his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. Producer and director Dawn Elrick posts a letter on Instagram which includes a number of anonymous accounts from people who allege they "have experienced sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry". She claims the letter, which accuses Wallace of making lewd comments, was sent to the BBC in 2022. The TV star's lawyers say "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", BBC News reports. Wallace thanks his Instagram followers for "showing their support". - November 29, 2024 Wallace faces a string of new allegations with one woman, who worked on a travel show with him, accusing him of making "lesbian jokes constantly", as reported by BBC News. The charity Ambitious About Autism says it had dropped Wallace as an ambassador, citing the "recent allegations". - November 30, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph reports producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about "inappropriate" behaviour from him while working on the show. Banijay UK confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. - December 1, 2024 Wallace says in a video posted to Instagram that accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from "middle-class women of a certain age". TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp tells BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that she was "so embarrassed" she thought she "might cry" after Wallace allegedly made a comment to her about his sex life. Celebrity MasterChef 2012 champion Emma Kennedy tells Times Radio the former greengrocer "just doesn't understand that some behaviour is completely inappropriate". - December 2, 2024 Downing Street says Wallace's response to the accusations being made against him was "inappropriate and misogynistic". A spokesperson also says that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row. Following the backlash, Wallace apologises for any "offence" or "upset" he caused with his remarks and said he will now "take some time out" while the investigation is under way. - December 3, 2024 Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials are pulled from the BBC's schedule. Wallace faces fresh allegations with one woman claiming he touched her bottom after an event and another alleging he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show, according to BBC News. - December 4, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says politicians should be ready to put in place "mechanisms" that would instil "confidence" that women will be taken seriously in reports of inappropriate behaviour after a Labour MP asked him about "women of a certain age", reflecting comments Wallace apologised for. MasterChef presenter John Torode says in a social media post that he "loves being part of" the programme and "will continue to be a part of it" after Wallace stepped back from the show. A ghostwriter claims Wallace sexually harassed her while she was working on his 2012 autobiography. - December 10, 2024 Ms Nandy says she is "prepared to take further action" if the creative industries cannot address "cultures of silence and issues being swept under the rug" in relation to claims of misconduct while appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. - April 25, 2025 Wallace tells the Daily Mail he "thought about suicide all the time" after allegations of misconduct were made against him. - July 8, 2025 Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following the inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay, BBC News reports. Fresh claims about the TV presenter are made from 50 more people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News says. The majority claim he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. BBC News says it has not seen the final review from Banijay, but it is understood the presenter has been sacked. In an Instagram post the former greengrocer claims he had been cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations" against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognises that some of his humour and language was inappropriate "at times" and apologised for this. It is not known which of these complaints - if any - were upheld.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
ITV stands by John Torode after BBC MasterChef sacking
ITV is standing by John Torode despite his sacking as a presenter of the BBC's MasterChef. John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, which Torode presents with his wife, Lisa Faulkner, will continue as normal. The next episode goes out on Saturday. Executives at the broadcaster held discussions about the presenter's future last night after Torode was sacked for allegedly making a racist comment behind the scenes at MasterChef seven years ago. Torode says he has no recollection of the incident. An ITV source said: 'There aren't any planned changes to our schedules.' ITV has never received any complaints about Torode's conduct on one of its shows, it is understood. John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen is in its 10th series. The couple's relationship began after Faulkner, then an actress, appeared as a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef. Torode was sacked on Tuesday over the use of what Banijay, the makers of MasterChef, called 'highly offensive racist language', in an incident that came to light during an investigation into Gregg Wallace. The BBC said: 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind.' Forty-five complaints upheld Wallace was also sacked after the review upheld 45 complaints against him, the majority of which were claims of inappropriate sexual language and humour. Four of the complaints against Wallace related to 'culturally insensitive' or racist comments. The future of the show is now in limbo. Two series that had already been filmed – the amateur contest presented by Torode and Wallace, and a celebrity series which Torode co-hosted with Grace Dent after Wallace was forced to step down – may never see the light of day if the BBC decides it would be inappropriate to show them. Wallace has threatened to sue the BBC and Banijay for discrimination, claiming that they should have taken more care of him on set due to his autism. Torode claimed that he only learned he had been sacked when he read a news report online, but said he would now move on to other projects. He said: '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.'
