Penny Lancaster says Gregg Wallace intimidated and distressed people on set


Penny Lancaster, the wife of singer Sir Rod Stewart, has said she was a “victim” and “witness” of “bullying” by her former Celebrity MasterChef co-star, Gregg Wallace. Lancaster’s comments come after Sir Rod accused Wallace of being an “ill-mannered bully” in a public post last month. Wallace resigned from MasterChef two weeks ago while the investigation into historic misconduct allegations is being carried out. His lawyers have denied all allegations.

Lancaster disclosed that she was shocked by Sir Rod’s message, as she was busy on jury duty at the time and unaware of the post. She stated that she felt “vindicated” that something had been said and that it took a couple of years for her to express her thoughts. Lancaster also revealed that many members of the production team were “witnesses” to Wallace’s “bullying” and “harassment” behaviour on the set. Moreover, she believes that Wallace used his “position of power” to “intimidate and cause distress” to people.

Wallace resigned after BBC News uncovered 13 allegations against him of inappropriate sexual comments, and further women have come forward with extra claims against the 60-year-old. Wallace’s lawyers have denied the allegations, and Banijay UK, the production company of MasterChef, announced an “immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate”. Banijay mentioned that its “MasterChef welfare processes” are regularly strengthened, and it has multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. The BBC is supporting the investigation and hoping it can be “concluded rigorously and as swiftly as possible” while ensuring “fairness to all involved.”

Lancaster has met her husband in 1999, and they were married in 2007. They have two children together. Lancaster has also spoken out before about her own experience of sexual assault as a teenager. In her talk with ITV’s Loose Women, she voiced her thoughts of how some women suffer in the hands of powerful men but are hesitant to speak out due to a lack of confidence and support, concluding that this can inspire others to come forward

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