Gregg Wallace's scathing statement as BBC report into misconduct allegations on MasterChef due

Wales Online

7 hours ago

Gregg Wallace's scathing statement as BBC report into misconduct allegations on MasterChef due
Gregg Wallace has been sacked by the BBC after a 10-month investigation into claims the MasterChef star made inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period
Gregg Wallace co-presented Masterchef alongside John Torode from 2005 and 2024.
(Image: BBC )
Gregg Wallace has hit back at the BBC following the corportation's extensive investigation into misconduct claims that lasted nearly a year. The MasterChef celebrity, who was replaced by Grace Dent last December following allegations he made unsuitable sexual remarks and jokes spanning over 13 years.
The ex-greengrocer, aged 60, shared a message on Instagram today, stating he has been cleared of the gravest accusations against him, after evidently being notified about his severance from the BBC by the production company, Banijay.
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On Instagram today, Gregg declared: "I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report - a decision I do not take lightly." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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He continued: "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 Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
"The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation."
The lengthy statement then accuses the BBC of "peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories."
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Gregg continued: "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. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks."
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The Silkins report is officially due out on Thursday, but the father-of-three's legal team have been given an early steer, according to insiders.
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A source told The Sun: "Gregg is both furious and devastated about how things have played out.
"His team have seen the report and believe he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so he has taken great consolation from that.
"Whilst he is not excusing his inappropriate comments and innuendos - some of which he has been found against - on his recent autism diagnosis, this has been a mitigating factor.
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"He has also been cleared of some of the higher profile allegations, including those brought on by Penny Lancaster and Kirsty Wark, but the BBC has made it clear there is no way back for him. He is devastated."
A series of complaints were made about the MasterChef last year, including 'inappropriate behaviour' and allegations of touching an assistant's bottom on the BBC show.
Gregg resigned from the programme following denial of the accusations, with his legal representatives firmly refuting any suggestion that Gregg partakes in sexually harassing conduct. Through his lawyers, Gregg asserted: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."
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WalesOnline have contacted the BBC for a reponse.