London law firm Lewis Silkin has been appointed by Banijay UK, the production company of the reality TV show MasterChef, to investigate allegations of historical misconduct by presenter Gregg Wallace. These include inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour, as reported by the BBC News investigative team, made by Wallace over a 17-year period across multiple shows. Banijay has responded by stating that Wallace will step down from presenting the show during the investigation, but has committed to cooperating throughout the process.
Wallace’s legal team has denied that he engages in sexually harassing behaviour. Banijay has said that Lewis Silkin’s “rigorous, in-depth, and impartial analysis and reporting” gave it confidence in their appointment. Those providing evidence to the firm’s investigations’ team will do so confidentially.
Thirteen people who worked with Wallace spoke to the BBC News investigation. They include broadcast journalist Kirsty Wark and an ex-worker from Wallace’s show, who said Wallace showed topless photographs of himself and asked for massages. In another allegation, a female member of the production team on BBC Good Food Show in 2010 claimed Wallace stared at her chest.
Banijay UK has urged anyone with concerns to come forward. The BBC, which has reviewed over half of its TV hours through more than 300 independent production companies over the past year, stated that allegations are taken seriously and dealt with according to “robust processes”. Channel 5, which broadcasts Wallace’s show, is also investigating allegations of historical claims, including that Wallace talked about threesomes and sex workers.
The BBC recently announced an independent review of its workplace culture. Production company Rumpus, which made Wallace’s programme, also stated that appropriate behaviour is not tolerated on its productions and that its duty of care procedures would have been followed
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