MasterChef star George Calombaris reveals secret alcohol addiction battle after losing $3million and hitting rock bottom during a series of scandals: I was drinking daily in my pyjamas'
Calombaris became a household name when he joined MasterChef as a judge in 2009, rapidly building a restaurant empire on the back of his success.
But a decade later, the once-celebrated cooking icon abruptly fell from grace in a $7.8milion wage underpayment scandal and assault of a teenage soccer fan.
His company Made Establishment (MAdE) went into voluntary administration and his restaurants were shut down.
'After Covid hit, I'm suddenly sitting in Melbourne, which is shut for now two years, sitting with my pyjamas on … looking at my phone going there's no emails, there's nothing to do (and I) start drinking daily,' the chef admitted on the Ouzo Talk podcast.
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'I'll never forget three months down the track I lost it one night. I got in my car, drove down the road, I don't know where (I was). My brother found me pissed as a fart.
'And that was a moment, he really slapped it out of me and went enough is enough.'
His company MAdE collapsed in February 2020 after being ordered by the Fair Work Ombudsman to pay workers millions in unpaid penalty rates.
Calombaris was personally hit with a $200,000 penalty for the wage rorts but always insisted the underpayments were simply a mistake he blamed on inexperience.
The ex-hospitality boss said the payment error was detected after the company made a self-report, but the publicity that followed made it impossible to keep his 21 businesses alive.
Calombaris explained it creatted 'six months of pain' and he lost around '$3million in endorsements'.
'Ridiculous, stupid, I would have rather taken that 3 million and given it to charity,' he added.
His reputation was further damaged when he was caught on camera attacking a 19-year-old at an A-League grand final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
Calombaris was convicted of assault and fined $1,000, but the damage to his name was so bad his conviction was later overturned.
He eventually picked himself after waking up after a big booze-filled night and realising his life had to change.
The family moved to Arthurs Seat, in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula in March 2020 and Calombaris reignited his passion for cooking by becoming the executive chef of his family's household.
At first, he was afraid the stigma from his past life would follow his family, but was relieved to be welcomed in by the community as fellow school parents immediately invited him into their conversations.
By slowing down his lifestyle and beginning to engage with the community, he found a sense of purpose, cooking meals and sharing them with friends as well as helping Melbourne business associates struggling amid the pandemic.
He previously said the one positive from his downfall was having more time with his family after he frequently missed major milestones during his action-packed career.
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South Wales Argus
13 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
What were the main findings of the Gregg Wallace investigation?
The TV host was sacked as a MasterChef presenter last week. The inquiry was carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay. Here are some of the key findings of the investigation: -Allegations substantiated against Wallace Of the 83 allegations against Gregg Wallace, 45 were substantiated — mostly involving inappropriate sexual language and humour. Of the substantiated claims, some related to other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress, and one case of unwanted physical contact. – Most alleged incidents occurred between 2005 and 2018 The report found that 94% of the allegations against Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. Only one allegation was substantiated post-2018. – Wallace's behaviour made people uncomfortable While many described Wallace as energetic and humorous on set, the same traits sometimes led to comments or interactions that made people feel uncomfortable, especially in pressured or public filming environments. Wallace's comments were sometimes met with laughter and they were only occasionally challenged at the time, the report found. – Autism diagnosis considered in context During the investigation, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Investigators noted this as 'highly relevant', particularly in understanding his difficulty reading social cues and use of humour as a 'masking technique'. Wallace accepts that his diagnosis may help to explain some of his actions, but he does not wish to hide behind it, the report said. – Freelancers hesitated to complain Most people working on MasterChef are freelance staff, which is common in the television industry. Several witnesses for the report spoke about their reluctance to complain because of the perceived instability of their roles. – Inadequate complaints and behavioural policies pre-2016 The investigation found that there was little or no formal training or clear escalation procedures in place, leading to underreporting and normalisation of inappropriate behaviour. – Complaints often not escalated While 19 people said they raised concerns about Wallace, the investigation found evidence of 11 formal or informal complaints about his behaviour on MasterChef between 2005 and 2024. Of the 11 identified complaints, eight were recognised as such at the time. The other three were treated as comments, so no action was taken. Four of the eight recognised complaints were raised with both the production company and the BBC, two with the production company only, and two with the BBC alone. – BBC issued warning in 2017 Following a 2017 complaint, the BBC formally warned Wallace that his behaviour had to change. He responded by removing himself from social settings and seeking advice from colleagues to avoid further problems. – Other substantiated complaints The investigation also looked at 10 complaints made about other people on MasterChef. Two were substantiated, relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language.
South Wales Argus
14 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
‘Just over half' of allegations against Gregg Wallace substantiated, report says
In November 2024 the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, 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', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' 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. During the investigation, it was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated', relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. Wallace, 60, has been 'co-operative and forthcoming' and was interviewed three times by the investigations team, for a total of more than 14 hours of interview. But Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Gregg Wallace was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023 (Andrew Matthews/PA) Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', 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'. Mr Holland added: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016 where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking particularly amongst freelance staff.' He said Wallace would not be returning to MasterChef, adding: '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. 'MasterChef is a much-loved show which, year in, year out, changes the lives and careers of contestants, amateur and professional alike. 'It's made by a brilliant team of outstanding professionals and we look forward to bringing more exceptional cooking to screens in the coming months and years.' The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. '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.' The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: '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. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' 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. Gregg Wallace at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2014 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8 that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. He added that his neurodiversity had 'now formally (been) diagnosed as autism', saying in the social media post that it was 'suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef'. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets. He was most known, however, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.
Glasgow Times
14 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
‘Just over half' of allegations against Gregg Wallace substantiated, report says
In November 2024 the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, 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', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' 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. During the investigation, it was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated', relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. Wallace, 60, has been 'co-operative and forthcoming' and was interviewed three times by the investigations team, for a total of more than 14 hours of interview. But Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Gregg Wallace was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023 (Andrew Matthews/PA) Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', 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'. Mr Holland added: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016 where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking particularly amongst freelance staff.' He said Wallace would not be returning to MasterChef, adding: '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. 'MasterChef is a much-loved show which, year in, year out, changes the lives and careers of contestants, amateur and professional alike. 'It's made by a brilliant team of outstanding professionals and we look forward to bringing more exceptional cooking to screens in the coming months and years.' The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. '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.' The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: '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. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' 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. Gregg Wallace at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2014 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8 that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. He added that his neurodiversity had 'now formally (been) diagnosed as autism', saying in the social media post that it was 'suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef'. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets. He was most known, however, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.
