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Noor Nanji and Felicity Baker, culture reporters, received a statement from TV presenter Gregg Wallace, expressing his deep remorse for causing distress following the uphold of 45 complaints about his behavior on MasterChef. Wallace clarified that he never intended to harm or humiliate anyone, and the complaints included issues such as unwelcome physical contact and instances of undress. The report highlighted a total of 83 allegations against the presenter, with most substantiated claims revolving around inappropriate sexual language and humor, in addition to culturally insensitive or racist remarks.
An investigation conducted by an independent law firm was prompted by Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, after BBC News revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments against Wallace. While a decision is pending regarding the new series of MasterChef featuring Wallace, Downing Street applauded the BBC’s dissociation from the presenter and emphasized the need for preventive measures against abuses of power moving forward. The report exposed allegations spanning a 19-year period and noted 10 standalone claims against others, two of which were upheld, neither involving Wallace.
Furthermore, the report revealed that Wallace was diagnosed with autism during the investigation. Wallace, acknowledging his diagnosis, expressed regret for any distress caused and acknowledged that his actions might have been influenced by his condition. He rejected using his diagnosis as an excuse and underscored his intent to bring warmth and support to MasterChef. Despite facing backlash from autism charities for seemingly connecting misconduct allegations with his recent diagnosis, Wallace reiterated that none of the serious claims against him were validated. He recognized that some of his remarks might have been off the mark but emphasized his intention to avoid harming or humiliating others.
In response to the inquiry’s findings, Banijay UK’s chief executive, Patrick Holland, admitted shortcomings in addressing complaints raised between 2005 and 2024 and apologized for any negative impact on affected individuals. Both Banijay and the BBC acknowledged missed opportunities in addressing the behavior sooner and expressed regret for the fallout. As a result, the BBC announced no plans for future collaborations with Wallace. The investigation’s outcome brought a sense of relief to former MasterChef workers who came forward with allegations, with some expressing satisfaction that their complaints were recognized and acted upon. Additionally, the report shed light on the prevalence of inappropriate behavior in the creative industry, prompting calls for enhanced measures to ensure dignity, fairness, and respect for all individuals
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