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ABC News
39 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
BBC sacks MasterChef UK host John Torode over racist language claim in Gregg Wallace report
The BBC has sacked long-time host of the UK version of MasterChef, John Torode, after an investigation found the Australian-born presenter used racist language in the workplace. Torode has denied the allegation. It comes a day after the broadcaster confirmed it was severing ties with another of the cooking show's presenters, Gregg Wallace, over separate allegations. Torode's sacking came out of a seven-month investigation by British law firm Lewis Silkin, commissioned by Banijay UK — the company that produces MasterChef, which is broadcast by the BBC. The results of that report came out on Monday, local time. While the crux of the investigation was about the allegations against Wallace, "the team were also asked to investigate allegations against other people involved with the productions", Banijay UK said in a statement. In a statement on the BBC's website on the same day, the British broadcaster said the findings of the report included "two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals". On Monday night, Torode posted a statement on his Instagram account confirming he was "the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion". The following day, the BBC published a second statement on its website about the investigation, confirming it wouldn't be renewing Torode's contract. "This allegation — which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace — was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation," a BBC spokesperson said. "We will not tolerate racist language of any kind. "John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed." John Torode is a UK-based celebrity chef. He was born in Australia but moved to the UK in the 90s, beginning his career as a celebrity chef with regular appearances on British morning television. Torode went on to host his own cooking shows, publish cook books and contribute recipes to the BBC's Good Food website. One of his more recent cooking shows, called John and Lisa's Food Trip Down Under, is currently available for streaming on SBS OnDemand. The Australia-born presenter started hosting the UK version of MasterChef with Wallace in 2005. The pair first teamed up in 2004, according to his biography on the Good Food Shows website. "MasterChef's popularity has placed John & Gregg on the front cover of several magazines including the Radio Times, spawned several cookbooks to date … Sainsbury's Magazine readers even voted MasterChef as the Top TV Food Show of the Decade and it has been included in the Top Ten list of the most Sky Plussed shows of the year," the website says. When an investigation was launched into Wallace's behaviour late last year, Torode posted a statement on his Instagram account without directly referring to his MasterChef co-host by name. "I have found the recent press reports truly upsetting," Torode said. "But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage." The BBC didn't give those details, just that it was an "extremely offensive racist term". The broadcaster's director-general, Tim Davie, said it was "a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form" in an interview with BBC News. Torode denied the allegation in his statement on Instagram on Monday night. "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," he said. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened." He posted a second statement on Instagram on Tuesday night. "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," he said. "The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong." He was accused of sexual misconduct. Claims against the presenter were published by UK newspaper The Sun in October, with BBC News following up the claims with allegations from 13 people. In November, Wallace stepped aside from his presenting role amid the Banijay investigation. The investigation commissioned by Banijay looked at 83 claims made by 41 different people. It substantiated 45 of those claims. "The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future," a BBC spokesperson said on Monday. While the contents of the report isn't publicly available, Banijay's statement said the majority of those substantiated claims were of inappropriate sexual language and humour. It said a smaller number substantiated allegations were incidents of were of "other inappropriate language" and "being in a state of undress". Banijay also said one allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated. "Whilst Banijay UK will not be providing further detail on the individual allegations, the number of sustained allegations make Gregg Wallace's return to MasterChef untenable," the company said. Wallace posted a lengthy statement on his Instagram once the report was published. "None of the serious allegations against me were upheld," he said. "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." He told his 226,000 followers "never set out to harm or humiliate". "Some of my humour and language missed the mark," he said. Wallace referenced his diagnosis of autism, saying he was "still learning". Banijay UK chief executive Patrick Holland said Wallace's diagnosis was "relevant to certain behaviours identified in the report" but said the volume of substantiated allegations made his return to the show "untenable". "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," Mr Holland said. Wallace ended his statement by saying the BBC had left him "exposed to a trial by media". "For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move." The matter has again raised questions about the BBC's handling of misconduct cases. Banijay's statement said there was evidence that six complaints were raised with the BBC from 2005 to 2024, saying "more formal action" was taken in 2017. "It also found that there was no consolidated or centrally held information within the BBC on concerns raised with the broadcaster resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence," the company's statement said. The BBC's statement on Monday included an apology to people impacted by Wallace's behaviour. "Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour — both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC," a spokesperson said. "We accept more could and should have been done sooner." When asked about sacking Torode, Mr Davie said the broadcaster had "drawn a line in the sand". "We are taking this seriously," he said. "It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board." ABC with Associated Press
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
How ‘heartbroken' and ‘blindsided' MasterChef star learned he had been sacked from hit show
MasterChef presenter John Torode learned he had been sacked from his UK TV gig by reading about it on the BBC News website. The Australian-British star, who was born in Melbourne but moved to England in the '90s, was said to be heartbroken after the BBC and production firm Banijay confirmed his dismissal for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal, The Sun reports. A source said, 'John had no idea. He was blindsided.' The 59-year-old's axing came after BBC chief Tim Davie said no presenter was bigger than the show. 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language,' Davie said. 'This allegation — which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace — was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin. 'John Torode denies the allegation. '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 will not be renewed.' A source said, 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. He read about it on the BBC News website. 'Obviously he's heartbroken. He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Another source told The Sun the Aussie chef planned to quit at the end of this week. In an Instagram post, Torode 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. 'I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' The report into the behaviour of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of 83 complaints from 2005 to 2024, leading to his sacking. Torode was cited in the report — but not named — over a racist remark allegedly made during a private conversation. We revealed yesterday that BBC bosses had asked Torode to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. No decision has been made as to whether the next MasterChef series will be aired. Mr Davie insisted the show 'absolutely' had a future and was 'much bigger than individuals'.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed
MASTERCHEF presenter John Torode learned yesterday that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website. The star, 59, was said to be heartbroken after the BBC and production firm Banijay confirmed his dismissal for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal. 6 6 6 A source said: 'John had no idea. 'He was blindsided.' His axing came after Beeb chief Tim Davie said no presenter was bigger than the show. BBC's MasterChef meltdown The Corporation said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language. 'This allegation — which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace — was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin. John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. Source ' John Torode denies the allegation. '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 will not be renewed.' A source said: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He read about it on the BBC News website. 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. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments 'Obviously he's heartbroken. 'He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Another source told The Sun the Australian chef planned to quit at the end of this week. In an Instagram post John 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. 'I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' The report into the behaviour of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of 83 complaints from 2005 to 2024, leading to his sacking. Mental health issues Torode was cited in the report — but not named — over a racist remark allegedly made during a private conversation. We revealed yesterday that BBC bosses had asked Torode to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. No decision has been made as to whether the next MasterChef series will be aired. Mr Davie insisted the show 'absolutely' had a future and was 'much bigger than individuals '. 6 6 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.'
BreakingNews.ie
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
John Torode's contract on MasterChef not renewed, BBC and Banijay UK confirm
John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK have confirmed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. Advertisement On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. John Torode after being made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Kirsty O'Connor/PA. A statement from Banijay UK said: '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. Advertisement 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. Advertisement '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.' Advertisement It comes after BBC director-general Tim Davie said MasterChef had a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report. Asked about the show's future, Davie said: '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.' BBC director-general Tim Davie. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA. He was also asked about Torode's future on Tuesday, to which he said the BBC would 'absolutely expect action to be taken'. Advertisement Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' It comes after the BBC addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year, which has not yet been aired, on Monday, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it. A spokesperson for the corporation said: '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.' Entertainment What were the main findings of the Gregg Wallace i... Read More The MasterChef upheaval comes as the BBC faces scrutiny over the Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary which after a review was found to have breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy. The corporation has also been criticised over its coverage of Glastonbury, particularly the livestream of punk duo Bob Vylan's set, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
John Torode's contract on MasterChef not renewed, BBC and Banijay UK confirm
John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK have confirmed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. A statement from Banijay UK said: '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 Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. 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.' It comes after BBC director-general Tim Davie said MasterChef had a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report. Asked about the show's future, Davie said: '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.' He was also asked about Torode's future on Tuesday, to which he said the BBC would 'absolutely expect action to be taken'. Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' It comes after the BBC addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year, which has not yet been aired, on Monday, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it. A spokesperson for the corporation said: '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 MasterChef upheaval comes as the BBC faces scrutiny over the Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary which after a review was found to have breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy. The corporation has also been criticised over its coverage of Glastonbury, particularly the livestream of punk duo Bob Vylan's set, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
