John Torode sacked from MasterChef after racist language allegation
This week, it emerged that Torode had been accused of using racist language in the review regarding his former co-host, Gregg Wallace.
The BBC and MasterChef production company Banijay UK have now confirmed that his contract with the cooking series will not be renewed.
A Banijay spokesperson 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.'
A BBC spokesperson added: '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.'
It was reported that last week, the BBC and Banijay asked Torode to resign and claim he had mental health problems.
The Sun said Torode refused the request and has issued a statement addressing the racist language allegation on his Instagram.
Torode has not yet commented on this announcement, but yesterday made a statement following the release of the report. More Trending
The TV chef said on social media that he was the individual 'who is alleged to have used racist language on one occasion', telling fans for the 'sake of transparency' after speculation.
He continued: '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.
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'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.'
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MORE: The BBC must still air Gregg Wallace's final MasterChef series
MORE: Inside MasterChef star Grace Dent's career and private life as she 'replaces Gregg Wallace'
MORE: Gregg Wallace 'deeply sorry' after 45 allegations are upheld against ex MasterChef host
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
How John Torode got the cut 'in 24 hours': Star went from loveable MasterChef co-host to chopped by the BBC after being 'blindsided' by broadcaster when report found he used 'extremely offensive racist term'
John Torode 's two-decade-long MasterChef career was over in just 24 hours after he was reportedly blindsided by the BBC and sacked without his knowledge. The celebrity chef, 59, was yesterday dismissed from the cookery show after a report into the behaviour of his co-host Gregg Wallace found he had once used a 'racist term'. It was a sudden fall from grace for the loveable Aussie host who had presented MasterChef since 2005 and was also awarded an MBE for services to food and broadcasting three years ago. Moreover, over the weekend food critic Grace Dent was pipped to become Torode's new permanent co-star following Wallace's suspension and dismissal. The pair had already filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef together were reportedly due to start shooting the amateur version of the show in the summer. Yesterday, the BBC confirmed it had sacked Torode less than a day after he posted on Instagram that he was the subject of an allegation of racist language. 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'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.' 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4 hours ago
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