An investigation into the behaviour of former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has substantiated 45 allegations made against him, including claims of inappropriate sexual language and one incident of unwelcome physical contact. The seven-month probe, ordered by production company Banijay, examined 83 allegations, with more than half upheld.
The BBC confirmed that Wallace will not return to any of its programmes, admitting that opportunities had been missed to address his behaviour. Most of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, while a smaller number involved other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress.
In a statement following the report's release, Wallace said he was 'deeply sorry' for any distress caused but maintained he had 'never set out to harm or humiliate'. He attributed his behaviour to a late autism diagnosis, adding: 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.'
The report also found that two of ten standalone allegations against other individuals were upheld, one concerning swearing and one racist language. MasterChef presenter John Torode confirmed he was the subject of the racial language allegation, which he denied, stating he had no recollection of the incident and that any racial language was 'wholly unacceptable'.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the allegations against Wallace as 'horrendous and appalling' and welcomed the BBC's decision to end its association with him. The chair of the Commons culture committee, Caroline Dinenage, said there had been a 'longstanding failure to protect people against unacceptable workplace behaviour'.
