Gregg Wallace Removed Following Misconduct Claims
Gregg Wallace has been dismissed as presenter of the BBC’s MasterChef after an independent inquiry uncovered multiple allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. The inquiry, commissioned by MasterChef’s production company Banijay and conducted by a law firm, follows claims from over 50 individuals, including accusations of groping and exposing himself. Wallace denies the allegations but stepped aside in November 2023 after initial claims from 13 people. The inquiry’s final report is expected imminently, though BBC News has not yet seen its contents.
Scope And Nature Of Allegations Against Wallace
The new allegations span two decades and include inappropriate sexual comments and behaviors across various BBC shows and settings. Eleven women allege physical misconduct such as groping and pulling down trousers, while many others report inappropriate sexual remarks. For example, one woman described Wallace pulling down his trousers in her presence in a dressing room, calling it “disgusting and predatory.” Another said she was groped at a wrap party in
2013. These claims highlight repeated alleged misconduct despite prior warnings to Wallace.
Previous Complaints And Organizational Response
Complaints about Wallace’s behavior date back to at least 2017, when BBC controller Kate Phillips confronted him about “unacceptable” conduct after a complaint from radio host Aasmah Mir. Phillips’s internal emails confirmed a 90-minute discussion with Wallace, emphasizing that such behavior “cannot continue.” However, further complaints emerged even after this intervention, including a 2022 report from a 19-year – old MasterChef worker dismissed as “just a joke.” This suggests ongoing failures in safeguarding and accountability within the BBC and associated production companies.
Impact On Workplace Culture And Freelancers
Many of the accusers were young female freelancers who felt unable to report misconduct for fear of damaging their careers. One woman recalled being told, “You’re not being Jimmy Saviled, ” implying her concerns were minimized. Human rights barrister Baroness Helena Kennedy noted that freelancers often avoid speaking up due to fear of being labeled complainers. The scandal has drawn attention to “cultures of silence” in media workplaces, with calls from government and industry leaders for stronger protections and accountability.
Wallace’s Public Response And Denials
Wallace issued a detailed Instagram statement claiming he was cleared of the most serious allegations after a six-month investigation, admitting only to “inappropriate language” between 2005 and
2008. He accused the media of sensationalism and insisted he would not be “cancelled for convenience.” In a 2024 interview, he said some inappropriate jokes were “probably true” but denied any physical misconduct. His spokesperson affirmed he continues to cooperate with the investigation but denies sexually harassing behavior.
Broader Implications For The BBC And Industry
The Gregg Wallace case exposes systemic issues in how the BBC and production companies handle misconduct allegations. A recent BBC report found that a minority of stars and managers behave unacceptably and that leadership often fails to act decisively. BBC chairman Samir Shah pledged reforms and a “line in the sand” approach. The scandal has intensified scrutiny of workplace safeguarding and emphasizes the need for stronger protections, especially for vulnerable freelancers in creative industries.
Conclusion On Accountability And Industry Reform
The dismissal of Gregg Wallace is a significant development amid growing awareness of workplace misconduct in media. Over 50 allegations, many involving physical and verbal sexual harassment, reveal long-standing failures to protect staff and freelancers. While Wallace denies the worst claims, the volume and consistency of accusations have prompted urgent calls for accountability. This case underlines the critical need for transparent investigations, robust safeguarding policies, and cultural change across the BBC and wider creative sectors.
