Gregg Wallace has been dismissed as a MasterChef presenter ahead of the publication of a report into allegations about his conduct. The decision comes as BBC News reports it has received fresh claims from more than 50 individuals, including accusations of groping and indecent exposure.
Among the new allegations are claims that Wallace pulled down his trousers in front of a female colleague and groped another co-worker. The presenter has denied these allegations, though he has admitted to using inappropriate language in the past.
Wallace issued a statement on social media in which he confirmed he has been diagnosed with autism. He said his neurodiversity was discussed by colleagues for years but he was given no protection. He also attacked the BBC, claiming he was “tried by media” and will not “go quietly”.
The broadcaster previously reported allegations from 13 people spanning 17 years, including a claim by presenter Kirsty Wark that Wallace made “sexualised” jokes during filming of Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. Wallace stepped away from the show nine months ago after complaints were received.
In his statement, Wallace said the report by law firm Lewis Silkin exonerates him of the most serious accusations but finds him guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. He apologised unreservedly for that but insisted he was never the “caricature” being portrayed.
BBC News says the majority of new allegations concern inappropriate comments, but 11 women have accused Wallace of inappropriate sexual behaviour including groping. One alleged incident reportedly occurred in a dressing room, with a former worker saying she was told “You’re not being Jimmy Saviled”.
