John Torode confirms he is man accused of racism in Gregg Wallace report
The Wallace investigation found an allegation was made against another person, said to have used racist language
John Torode attends the ITV Palooza 2022 on November 15, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Dave)
MasterChef presenter John Torode has confirmed he is the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of co-presenter Gregg Wallace. The report, commissioned by MasterChef production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.
In a post on Instagram, Torode confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. His statement said: 'Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
'For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
'I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.'
Reports in The Sun said Torode had been asked to leave the show and claim he had mental health issues following the allegation. A BBC insider said they do not recognise this.
It comes after Wallace said he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of the report, which included one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact' that was upheld. In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
Article continues below
In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.'
The report found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'.
The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. In his statement, Wallace added: 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.
'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning.'
He praised the show's production company, Banijay, saying they had 'given me great support, and I thank them'.
The former greengrocer added: 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.'
Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading', it also provided 'valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with'.
The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 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.'
Article continues below
The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying it had not made a final decision on broadcasting it. Last year, a BBC News investigation revealed a string of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and alleged inappropriate behaviour against Wallace by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark.
A statement from Wallace's lawyers at the time said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', as reported by BBC News.
Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8, which appears to have been taken down, that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
16 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken Hollyoaks star Steph Waring reveals co-stars ‘stopped speaking to her' after she was axed with no warning
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEARTBROKEN Hollyoaks star Steph Waring has revealed her co-stars have "stopped speaking to her" after she was axed with no warning. The actress - who played Cindy Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap - was let go last year, leaving her devastated. 5 Axed Hollyoaks star Steph Waring has revealed she has lost touch with her co-stars after she was fired Credit: Instagram 5 Steph played Cindy Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap off-and-on for 28 years Credit: Channel 4 5 Steph says her co-stars have stopped calling to check in on her Credit: Instagram The much-loved star, 47, was on Hollyoaks for 28 years and was even on the soap from day one. That's why fans were left shocked when she revealed that she had been given the chop by bosses. However, in a further blow, Steph has now admitted that she misses the friendships she once had with her fellow cast members. Speaking on the latest episode of the Secure The Insecure podcast, she said: "I did feel the quiet from the family that I once knew on the show. "No one's picking up the phone. No one's checking in. "Everyone's just getting on with their life. "When you're in that Hollyoaks bubble and they call it a family - I feel you're only family when you're in it." Steph - who didn't name any of co-stars in particular - added: "You pour your heart out to these people and then you go and it's like it never happened. "Where did that friendship go? There's only a couple of people I'm in contact with." Last month, Steph opened up about her heartbreaking reaction on the day bosses told her she would no longer be on Hollyoaks. 'I collapsed on the floor in tears and begged Hollyoaks bosses not to axe me' reveals 'distraught' Steph Waring as she admits co-stars had to 'pick her up' Writing in her book Breaking the Script, the actress said: 'I walked into the office. "There were two people there for the meeting: the newly appointed executive producer – a stalwart behind the scenes in various roles for years – and the long-standing head of production, who I'd known since I began on the show back in 1996. 'They asked me to sit. They explained that they'd be reading a scripted statement. As I listened, I could barely process what was being said. I was just waiting for the words I longed to hear: 'And therefore, we'd like Cindy to stay.' 'But as the statement neared its close, before the final words were even spoken, I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I was shaking as I looked at the two of them. 5 Stephanie revealed her true reaction after being let go from Hollyoaks Credit: Instagram 5 The star was on Hollyoaks from the very first episode Credit: Channel 4 'Then it happened. 'And with that said, we will be losing Cindy from the show. I'm so sorry, Steph.' The world stopped for a second as I replayed those words in my head. Then… I lost my s***. ''What? No! You mean you're not taking me to the 30th?' I blurted out, referencing the upcoming anniversary of the show – a milestone that meant so much to the long-standing cast. ''I don't understand. No, I don't understand. I don't understand!' I was frantic. 'But I've been so loyal. Please, no. This is my life. I love my job – please, no!' 'Hysterically crying, I repeated myself, hoping one of them would see my distress and take it all back. Had they made a mistake? My world felt like it was imploding. Through my tears, I demanded to know, 'How am I on that list? Cindy is an original! I'm the longest-serving female character. I was the first person to give birth on the show.' 'I was clutching at anything, anything at all, to make them realise their mistake. How? Why was I the only original being cut? I couldn't understand. It felt so cold. I could see the distress I was causing them.' She fled the room and was found by her co-stars Jennifer Metcalfe and Kirsty Leigh Porter who supported her before she could go home to husband Tom. Stephanie also revealed how her agent had become determined to get soap bosses to reverse their decision - but in the end the actress herself decided she didn't want to stay. Since her Hollyoaks exit Steph has reinvented herself as a life coach.
Powys County Times
26 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Tim Davie condemns ‘serious racist term' used by John Torode
BBC director-general Tim Davie has condemned the 'serious racist term' used by presenter John Torode, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef will not be renewed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. In an interview with BBC News on Tuesday, Davie said he saw the situation as an opportunity for the corporation to 'reset'. He said he was not directly involved with the matter but was told about the recommendation not to renew Torode's contract and was 'happy that the team were taking action'. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.' A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' It comes after the BBC addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year, which has not yet been aired, on Monday, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' The MasterChef upheaval comes as the BBC faces scrutiny over the Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary which, after a review, was found to have breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy. The corporation has also been criticised over its coverage of Glastonbury, particularly the live stream of punk duo Bob Vylan's set, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
Scottish Sun
31 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASTERCHEF presenter John Torode learned yesterday that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website. The star, 59, was said to be heartbroken after the BBC and production firm Banijay confirmed his dismissal for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal. 6 John Torode was said to be heartbroken after his dismissal from Masterchef was confirmed Credit: Alamy 6 John was dismissed for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal Credit: BBC 6 John pictured with his wife Lisa Faulkner Credit: PA 6 John Torode's statement in full Credit: instagram A source said: 'John had no idea. 'He was blindsided.' His axing came after Beeb chief Tim Davie said no presenter was bigger than the show. BBC's MasterChef meltdown The Corporation said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language. 'This allegation — which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace — was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin. John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. Source 'John Torode denies the allegation. 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract will not be renewed.' A source said: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He read about it on the BBC News website. What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments 'Obviously he's heartbroken. 'He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Another source told The Sun the Australian chef planned to quit at the end of this week. In an Instagram post John said: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay — I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. 'I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' The report into the behaviour of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of 83 complaints from 2005 to 2024, leading to his sacking. Mental health issues Torode was cited in the report — but not named — over a racist remark allegedly made during a private conversation. We revealed yesterday that BBC bosses had asked Torode to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. No decision has been made as to whether the next MasterChef series will be aired. Mr Davie insisted the show 'absolutely' had a future and was 'much bigger than individuals'. 6 Torode learned that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website Credit: Getty 6 John 'feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report' Credit: PA
