Co-host of Gregg Wallace’s MasterChef, John Torode, claimed that he cannot remember employing any language considered racially insensitive during the production of the BBC series.
On Monday, it was officially announced that the BBC has ended its association with Wallace following an investigation that supported 45 allegations against him. Most of these accusations concerned inappropriate sexual banter and jokes, but they also involved culturally insensitive and racist remarks spanning a 19-year period. Last week, he was dismissed from his position as host on a popular cooking show.
The investigation, carried out by a separate law firm commissioned by MasterChef’s production company Banijay, also brought to light accusations against two additional individuals.
To maintain openness and honesty, I acknowledge that I’m the person who has been accused of using racial slurs once. However, I don’t remember any such incident happening. Frankly, I doubt that it did.
It’s important to make it clear that I’ve consistently believed that racist language has no place in any setting whatsoever. I’m taken aback and disheartened by this accusation, because I certainly don’t want to hurt or upset anyone.” – Torode stated.
Initially, Wallace disputed the allegations leveled against him, labeling the report from BBC News as “unverified gossip” following its publication where more than 50 individuals shared their encounters of inappropriate conduct involving Wallace.
He mentioned that his autism diagnosis significantly impacted the situation, and the investigation eventually suggested considerations should be made with regard to his neurodiversity. Wallace posted on Instagram last Tuesday: “No one investigated my disability or safeguarded me from what I now understand was a potentially harmful environment for more than 20 years… I will not back down. I will not be silenced for the sake of convenience. I was unfairly judged by media before all the facts were known.
Although Wallace issued a fresh statement on Monday to the U.K.’s Press Association, he expressed regret for any hurt inflicted. “I questioned the lingering matter of unwanted touching but had to acknowledge a divergence in perspective,” he said. “I am truly sorry for any anguish caused. It was never my intention.
He acknowledged that his humor and choice of words didn’t hit the right spot, further stating: “I never intended to cause harm or embarrass anyone. My goal was always to infuse warmth and support into MasterChef, both on-screen and off… This has been tough. As a straightforward working-class individual, I find today’s broadcasting landscape perilous. I was the main story this time, but I won’t be the only one.” Representatives from THR have reached out for Wallace’s response.
In 2024, Wallace took a step back from ‘MasterChef’ as investigations were underway regarding certain allegations. However, the BBC is now finding itself in a predicament, as they are unsure about how to proceed with the upcoming season of the show, which was filmed featuring Wallace last year.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed concern over multiple instances of silence, stating that they have sparked a nationwide discussion on professional behavior. She described the accusations against Wallace as extremely distressing and disgraceful.
Nandy emphasized that this situation underscores a broader problem and significant steps are necessary to guarantee that all professionals in the creative sector are treated with decency, justice, and regard.
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2025-07-15 12:24