The BBC has dropped Gregg Wallace from its programmes after concluding it had no confidence that he could change "learned behaviour" that raised concerns about workplace safety, a letter has revealed.
Claire Powell, head of compliance for BBC Television, wrote to the former MasterChef presenter stating that his recent autism diagnosis had been considered, but that he "struggled to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace". She noted he had received training in 2019.
The letter, reported by the Telegraph, said the corporation had considered whether further training could help, but concluded: "I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the working environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate."
Wallace stepped aside from MasterChef in November after allegations from 13 people who worked with him across 17 years. A report by lawyers Lewis Silkin, commissioned by producer Banijay, is expected imminently. The BBC said it would not comment until the investigation is complete and findings published.
The letter also referred to the impact on the BBC's reputation and noted that various people had spoken to Wallace about his behaviour over his career. It said productions involving him required "sound and consistent levels of judgment" that could not be constantly monitored.
Wallace has admitted using inappropriate language and apologised, but claimed earlier this week to have been cleared of "the most serious and sensational accusations". He is reportedly preparing to sue the BBC for discrimination, citing his recent autism diagnosis and accusing the BBC of failing to investigate his disability.
