BBC will ‘not work with Gregg Wallace in future’ as full report into misconduct allegations released
The BBC has stated it would ‘never work with Gregg Wallace again’ after the full report into his misconduct allegations was released.
Wallace was let go from MasterChef after allegations were made by numerous women claiming he had engaged in sexually explicit and inappropriate language whilst hosting the show.
Among the allegations were claims that Wallace had ‘thrusted his groin’ at a contestant.
The report, ordered by Banijay UK and carried out by a top UK legal firm, upheld 45 complaints against Gregg Wallace, leading the BBC to claim it has ‘no plans to work with the presenter in future’.
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These included one of unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress, among 79 other allegations made against the TV presenter.
A BBC statement said: "Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC.
"We accept more could and should have been done sooner."
The BBC said it apologised to 'everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour', and confirmed it has no plans to work with the presenter in future.
In a statement released on social media last week, Wallace wrote: "I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkin's report - a decision I do not take lightly.
"But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.
"I have now been cleared by the Silkin's report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
"The most damaging claims (including from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.
"To be clear, the Silkin's report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018."
A series of MasterChef filmed last year currently hangs in the balance, as a decision has not been made, according to the BBC.
The investigation found evidence between 2005 and 2024, claiming that six complaints were raised with the production company and the BBC.
CEO of Banijay UK, Patrick Holland, stated that 'it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been'.
"We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed," he said
Additional words by Michael Slavin.
Topics: Gregg Wallace, BBC, Celebrity News
Joshua Nair