Gregg Wallace claims he has been cleared of misconduct allegations
The 60-year-old stepped away from hosting the BBC cooking competition, after a number of historical complaints came to light last year, which led to the external investigation by the show's production company, Banijay UK.
A BBC News investigation reported that 13 people alleged Wallace had made inappropriate sexual comments across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
The production firm previously said Wallace is "committed to fully co-operating" with the external review while his lawyers have previously strongly denied "he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", according to BBC News.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday, he said: "I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins (sic) report - a decision I do not take lightly.
"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 (sic) 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 statement continued: "The BBC is choosing to allow BBC News to run with this uncorroborated tittle tattle in an attempt to 'get ahead' of the Silkin's summary report and derail what has been an extremely thorough process.
"This feels to me like BBC News is chasing slanderous click-bait rather than delivering impartial journalism.
"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.
"I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.
"My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef.
"I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established. The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest."
BBC spokesperson said: "Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Gregg Wallace treated for ‘heart attack' after misconduct probe stress as BBC reveals 50 new claims against sacked host
AXED MasterChef host Gregg Wallace last night declared war on the BBC, raging: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.' The 60-year-old star's outburst came as 7 Gregg Wallace was sacked by the BBC following an inquiry into alleged misconduct Credit: Olivia West 7 The BBC said another 50 people had made claims about his behaviour across several shows, pictured on MasterChef with co-host John Torode Credit: BBC 7 The axed MasterChef host was rushed to hospital in Ashford on Sunday with a suspected heart attack after two days of agonising chest pains Credit: Rex And the corporation turned up the heat by saying another They included new allegations he groped a MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another. Wallace, who left the hit cooking show in November and danced on 2014's Strictly, denies the claims. Sources said he was considering suing the BBC. And we can reveal that on Sunday he was rushed to hospital in Ashford, Kent, with a suspected heart attack after two days of agonising chest pains. READ MORE ON GREGG WALLACE He told a pal: 'The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell.' The report into Wallace's behaviour, ordered by production firm Banijay and conducted by external lawyers Lewis Silkin, is officially due out tomorrow. But yesterday, two days after leaving hospital, Wallace was told his contract will be terminated. He posted online: 'After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.' Most read in News TV He pointed out he had been exonerated of the most serious allegations in the Silkin report, including a separate claim of groping. Gregg Wallace admits 'I'm f****d' & tells pals he fears MasterChef will sack him after 'grope' probe And he said: '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.' The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell Gregg Wallace Wallace — who has never been publicly backed by co-host of 20 years John Torode — is now poised to take Banijay or the BBC to tribunal. He has taken on 'rottweiler' lawyer Dan Morrison, who represented Nigel Farage in the NatWest/Coutts bank account closure scandal. In a further blow to the Beeb, Wallace's lawyers could push for the release of the report's executive summary, which might jeopardise senior MasterChef execs and talent. An insider said: 'This is war. Gregg is raging and, frankly, has nothing left to lose. He feels he has been hung out to dry. He was employed to play the fun, unfiltered cheeky chappy greengrocer and he played that role as he always pledged to do. 'He feels there's been a cover-up and other people's bad behaviour ignored. 'Gregg will not go quietly — it is an absolute nightmare for the BBC.' The star's mum died from a heart attack in March. In April he revealed 7 Sources said Wallace was considering suing the BBC Credit: BBC 7 Wallace has taken on 'rottweiler' lawyer Dan Morrison Credit: BBC In his statement yesterday he also claimed the BBC had failed to help him over neurodiversity, since formally diagnosed as autism. He said: 'Nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried.' A source added: 'Gregg has been struggling with his mental health and was rushed to hospital over the weekend. Doctors have blamed stress, and he came out only to find out almost immediately he will lose his livelihood. 'He is furious and devastated and, after much deliberation, is taking on an incredibly bullish legal team to fight his corner. Gregg has seen the report and believes he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so has taken great consolation from that.' After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others Gregg Wallace Banijay's probe began nine months ago after BBC News revealed he faced 13 complaints from women, which later rose to 30. Wallace was then vilified for saying they stemmed from HOST DEMANDS BBC ANSWERS EX-TELLY host Gregg Wallace issued a statement online yesterday. Here are key extracts. "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. 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. I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried. Unfortunately, the full report will never be seen. I would like to know why? I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience." It is understood he has now been cleared of bullying allegations brought by 2021 contestant Penny Lancaster. Broadcaster and 2011 series star The claims of Wallace's constant innuendos, which left crew in tears, by 2011 contestant In two categories — 'demeaning' nicknames for staff and Wallace being 'direct' with contestants — investigators said his actions were unintentional. Gregg has been struggling with his mental health and was rushed to hospital over the weekend. Doctors have blamed stress A source It is understood his autism diagnosis has been used to explain some behaviour. Other allegations were upheld. They included that he opened his dressing room door with a sock over his privates and shouted 'Hooray.' He was also found against in terms of inappropriate language and repetition of sexualised jokes. The BBC is under enormous pressure to save money, and is unlikely to offer Wallace any payout or redundancy package. He may get a six-figure payout from a tribunal in his favour. 7 Wallace has never been publicly backed by co-host of 20 years Torode Credit: BBC 7 Gregg and Aliona Vilani on Strictly Credit: BBC Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation? Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his Gregg has been accused of making The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Yet the former greengrocer The cooking show's production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged misconduct.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Gregg Wallace hit by 50 allegations claiming star pulled down trousers and groped colleague as he's fired by BBC
GREGG Wallace has been hit by misconduct claims from 50 new people, it was sensationally revealed last night. They include allegations that the star - now 5 Gregg Wallace has been sacked from his job at the BBC Credit: PA 5 The presenter has been slammed with 50 new allegations of misconduct Credit: PA One of the two described it a 'predatory' encounter. She also claimed a boss dismissed her report of the alleged incident as she was over 16 and 'not being Jimmy Savile-d'. Another woman claimed Wallace groped her bottom while he spoke to ex co-host John Torode at the bar, during a wrap party in 2013. The bombshell claims emerged after a nine-month sexual misconduct investigation into the star, who denies any wrongdoing. Read More on TV News And the claims come after Wallace, 60, stepped down as He exited the show after 13 people accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments. Wallace - who has also fronted Celebrity In a lengthy online statement he insisted he had been cleared of 'the most serious and sensational accusations'. Most read in Celebrity On Instagram, where he has 220,000 followers, 'The most damaging claims were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.' Gregg Wallace offers advice to fans for £200 But hours after Wallace's online post, BBC News revealed the new claims against him during a probe by independent law firm Lewis Silkin. It was hired by MasterChef production company Banijay to conduct a thorough investigation. The BBC said last night it had not seen the Banijay report. But its story said the corporation had been contacted by people across a range of shows and settings. Most allegations were said to centre on inappropriate sexual comments, though 11 women are said to have accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour. That behaviour is said to include groping and touching. The allegations raise fresh questions for the Beeb and Banijay over their oversight of Wallace's alleged behaviour and their duty of care to staff. One woman - called Alice by the 5 The presenter has been accused of 'predatory' behaviour Credit: Getty She accused TV veteran Wallace of 'disgusting and predatory' behaviour. Another, using the name Sophie, says she was left feeling 'absolutely horrified' and 'quite sick' when he allegedly groped her. Others who contacted the corporation with fresh claims about the star include a participant on The morning cooking show was, at that time, produced in-house by the BBC. During a dinner ahead of filming in 2002, 'Sophie' claimed Wallace put his hand under the table and onto her groin, saying: 'Do you like that?' Another woman is a university student who says she met Wallace in a nightclub with friends in 2013. She claims that - after she asked to take a photo with him - he reached under her skirt and grabbed and groped her bottom. The And a junior worker claims that - in 2012 - Wallace dropped his trousers in front of her. She alleges he was not wearing underwear. 5 One male cop said he was silenced when raising concerns about Wallace Credit: PA A string of men have also claimed they witnessed Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments, it was reported. A former male cop has also said he tried to raise concerns about Wallace's sexually inappropriate language to the BBC in 2023 but was stonewalled. And other recent claims include a 19-year-old The BBC said many of the women were young freelancers who felt unable to complain about Wallace's behaviour at the time amid fears it would hamper their careers. But one - 'Alice' - said she voiced concerns to bosses but claims they were dismissed. She worked on At the time, the show was produced by Shine, a company now owned by Banijay. She alleged that Wallace once asked her into his dressing room, saying he needed help getting into a black-tie outfit. She claimed he pushed her down onto a sofa, pulled his trousers down and told her he wasn't wearing any underwear, the BBC said. She reported what had happened, she says, but was told by a senior production member: 'You're over 16, you're not being ' Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation? Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his Gregg has been accused of making The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Yet the former greengrocer The cooking show's production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged misconduct. Alice said she felt let down and left with the impression she should 'be grateful and get on with it' due to her lowly role. She has contributed to the Banijay inquiry, the BBC said. A woman - 'Anna' - claims Wallace pulled his trousers down in front of her as she worked on a photo shoot with him in 2012. The alleged incident occurred when they were alone together in a dressing room area - and she could see he was not wearing underwear. Wallace is said to have changed into the clothes she was holding from before she left. She also claimed Wallace made lewd comments and was 'touchy-feely'. Anna said she felt 'undermined' , unable to complain due to her junior position. She told the BBC she had spoken up after being angered by Wallace's Instagram video last year which saw him claim allegations had come from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. The Beeb reported her as saying: 'Is he saying it was OK to behave that way with younger women, like I was at the time?' Another She described the incident - which she claims happened as she was talking to Wallace and then co-host John Torode - he was about as 'a full-handed squeeze'. She added: 'I turned around and it was Gregg.' There is no suggestion Mr Torode was aware of the incident. Again, the woman feared complaints would be ignored. Sophie has also contributed to the Banijay inquiry. 5 Wallace has hit back at his former employers at the BBC Credit: Getty Some new allegations happened away from television - one of them in the mid-to-late 2000s in Nottingham during a book tour. Publicist 'Esther' said Wallace pushed his way into her hotel room, took off his clothes, and then asked her: 'Exactly what is it that you do?' She says she was shocked and made it clear she was not interested, telling him: 'That's not part of my job.' Esther claims he then says he climbed into her bed and fell asleep - prompting her to sleep at the edge of the bed, with her clothes on. She claims that - when he woke up - Wallace put his hand on her bottom and commented that she had a 'nice arse'. She ordered him to leave, and he did, it was reported. Esther did not complain at the time, but has contributed to the Banijay inquiry. Yesterday, Wallace said: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.' He also accused the BBC of 'peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories'. On The BBC News report also said some people had got in touch to insiated Walace's behaviour amounted to 'jokes' and 'banter'. But a cameraman, who worked on the This is alleged to have included asking a gay female director about her 'lesbian clothing'. He said: 'It's not banter, it's not how you should behave in a professional workplace,' the BBC reportded. A recent report into the In response, the broadcaster said it would introduce reforms, and its chairman Samir Shah said he would draw 'a line in the sand'. Banijay has said that it will not comment on the accusations until the report is published.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Maybe next time' – BBC commentator shocked at Sue Barker's seat after iconic presenter's surprise Wimbledon appearance
SUE BARKER's appearance at Cameron Norrie's Wimbledon clash with Carlos Alcaraz stunned BBC commentator Andrew Castle. But the veteran broadcaster was more shocked by 4 Sue Barker was a surprise spectator for Cameron Norrie's Wimbledon clash with Carlos Alcaraz Credit: BBC 4 The former long-time Wimbledon presenter had one of the best seats in the house Credit: BBC 4 BBC commentator Andrew Castle was stunned not to see his former colleague in the Royal Box Credit: BBC Barker has seldom been spotted at SW19 since calling time on her 22-year-long stint heading up the Beeb's coverage of the annual summer tennis tournament. But cameras caught the British sports presenting icon taking in the Centre Court match on Tuesday. Barker, 69, briefly came up on the screen after a replay of a beautifully deft shot from Spaniard Alcaraz. But it was long enough for a stunned Castle to ask co-commentator John McEnroe: "Is that "Where's Sue? What is she doing up there? I didn't see her on the list." After a brief pause in the action, cameras panned back to Barker, who was sitting in the Members' enclosure. And Castle was seemingly taken aback by her seat for the pulsating match. He said: "Ah, [she's in a] box. Nearly in the Royal Box. Most read in Sport JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 4 WIMBLEDON 2025 LIVE - FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST SCORES AND UPDATES FROM A THRILLING FORTNIGHT AT SW19 "That's the Royal Box over there. Maybe next time. Member's enclosure. Not bad." Tennis fans were seemingly as stunned by Castle, with one writing on X: " If anybody should be in the Royal box, it's Sue Barker!" Sue Barker returns to Wimbledon in new role a year after legendary BBC presenter's emotional Andy Murray interview Another said: "Surely @AndrewCastle63 can get Sue Barker into the royal box with his contacts? She's a Wimbledon legend." And another said: "Disgraceful that Sue Barker isn't in the Royal Box." Barker - the 1976 French Open winner - called time on her 30-year stint with the Beeb after the 2022 instalment of Wimbledon. Ahead of her departure, she said: "What a wonderful time I've had working on some of the biggest sporting events around the world. Read more on the Irish Sun "I will miss it terribly, but after 30 years I feel the time is right for me. "I've worked with the best of the best."
