Latest news with #Silkin'sReport
Metro
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gregg Wallace to sue BBC over alleged autism discrimination
Gregg Wallace is reportedly preparing to take legal action against the BBC and the production team behind MasterChef, claiming he was discriminated against due to his autism following his dismissal from the long-running series. The TV presenter and former greengrocer, 59, is at the centre of a formal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct during his time on the show. Yesterday, it was revealed that 50 more people had approached the corporation with claims about the TV presenter. Last year the 60-year-old confirmed he was stepping away from MasterChef amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. He faced accusations of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes' and lewd comments on set, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. While Wallace strongly denies any serious misconduct – including accusations of groping – he admits that his behaviour may have been misinterpreted and attributes much of it to social misunderstandings stemming from his autism, which he was only formally diagnosed with recently. Insiders suggest that Wallace is arguing his sense of humour and communication style was misunderstood in a neurotypical working environment. 'Gregg is guilty of bad jokes and rough humour,' a source told The Telegraph. 'But so many people on the show talked openly about suspecting that he had autism for years before he got his diagnosis.' Wallace, who has been a staple of the BBC's food programming for nearly two decades, claims that his dismissal amounts to workplace discrimination, and sources close to the presenter say he is seeking legal redress under disability rights protections. The BBC has not yet publicly commented on the potential lawsuit or the findings of the internal review, which are expected to outline a pattern of behaviour deemed inappropriate by production staff over several years. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After BBC News revealed that 50 more individuals had spoken out against Wallace, the TV presenter took to social media. Writing on Instagram, he said: '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. More Trending 'My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins.' Wallace 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.' View More » Metro has reached out to The BBC for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC faces major dilemma over unaired Gregg Wallace-fronted MasterChef season MORE: I've worked with a lot of celebrities – Gregg Wallace was the worst MORE: Gregg Wallace 'claims he suffered suspected heart attack' before bombshell BBC investigation
Metro
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC faces major dilemma over unaired Gregg Wallace-fronted MasterChef season
The BBC is facing a new crisis over whether or not to show an unaired season of MasterChef that features Gregg Wallace prominently. Yesterday it was revealed that 50 more people had approached the corporation with fresh claims about the TV presenter, who is at the centre of a sexual misconduct investigation. Last year the 60-year-old confirmed he was stepping away from MasterChef amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. He faced accusations of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes' and lewd comments on set, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. Wallace and his lawyers have fiercely denied the allegations, saying 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. But now, according to the Guardian, BBC director general Tim Davie is facing a tough decision over whether or not to air the latest series of MasterChef that features Wallace. The publication report that this year's series, which was recorded in 2024, shows Wallace as a judge right up until the series finale. Wallace's presence throughout is believed to be so significant that editing him out is 'not a realistic option'. But if the series is shelved, it could see contestants denied life-changing opportunities. After BBC News revealed that 50 more individuals had spoken out against Wallace, the TV presenter hit back at the corporation in a scathing social media post. Writing on Instagram, he said: '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. 'My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins.' Wallace 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.' According to BBC News, one woman – Alice – says Wallace took his trousers down in front of her in a dressing room, in what she described as 'disgusting and predatory' behaviour. However, despite raising concerns she was reportedly told by a senior member of Shine's production team: 'You're over 16, you're not being 'Jimmy Saviled'.' Last night it was also revealed that a source told The Sun that Wallace had a 'suspected heart attack' just days before the Silkins report was set to be released. More Trending The source said Wallace claimed he went to the hospital in Kent after suffering chest pains. 'The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell,' he reportedly told a friend. A BBC spokesperson told Metro: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. View More » We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I've worked with a lot of celebrities – Gregg Wallace was the worst MORE: Gregg Wallace 'claims he suffered suspected heart attack' before bombshell BBC investigation MORE: John McEnroe clarifies 'disrespectful' Rafael Nadal comment during Wimbledon coverage
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gregg Wallace heart attack as new details of shock response to BBC axe emerge
Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace was reportedly treated for a suspected heart attack days before he was axed Gregg Wallace, who warned the BBC he "will not go quietly" after their decision to terminate their connection, was recently sacked from MasterChef over misconduct claims. It was announced on Tuesday that the 60-year-old presenter will no longer appear on the channel after his sacking. The TV star had been accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period. Fifty people made fresh misconduct claims against the TV presenter, according to BBC News, but he continues to deny all allegations. And now, it has been reported that Gregg was rushed to the hospital and treated for a suspected heart attack days before he was axed. Gregg reportedly told a friend he was taken to the hospital in Ashford with a suspected heart attack after two days of chest pains. According to The Sun, he told his friend: "'The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell." The Mirror have reached out to Gregg's reps for comment. Meanwhile, the former greengrocer slammed the BBC, saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him. In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, he explained: "I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report - a decision I do not take lightly. "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." In his statement, he accused the organisation of "peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories." He said: "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." He said his personality is what sold him to the BBC in the first place, adding that the "authenticity was part of the brand". He added: "Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem." Gregg claimed his autism diagnosis wasn't cared for properly, insisting 'nothing was done to investigate his disability of protect him from a dangerous environment'. He signed off by telling the BBC he "will no go quietly", explaining: "I will not be cancelled for full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Gregg Wallace's marriage to wife 22 years his junior as she stands by him
Gregg Wallace issued a lengthy statement yesterday where he claimed he was cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations made against him" Gregg Wallace is being supported by his wife after issuing a blistering statement aimed at the BBC yesterday. The MasterChef star was last year accused of making inappropriate and sexual comments during his time on the show. He issued a statement yesterday, where he said: "I've taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report - a decision I do not take lightly. 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." He added: "My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins. "The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism. It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories. 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," he continued. He was referring to new misconduct claims from 50 people. Wallace has strongly denied all claims. The new claims are said to have come from people who encountered Wallace on a range of shows and settings. Eleven women have accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, while the majority claimed he made inappropriate sexual comments. Gregg is married to Anne-Marie Sterpini, who is 22 years his junior. They live with their son and Anna's parents Rina and Massimo. He had previously suggested his wife needed extra help around the house after she became a mother for the first time, citing that he wanted to keep his wife as his "fun, sexy girlfriend" post-motherhood. He said of their romance: "That young woman has revolutionised my life, there's a 22-year age gap, we have been together ten years and have a son, Sid, and I want to be there for them." Gregg and Anna met online when she asked him if rhubarb really went well with duck. She works in the food industry too like Gregg and is a caterer. Of how they met, he said: "I just looked at Anna's photo and thought, 'Wow, she's pretty'. So yes, rhubarb, which was considered an aphrodisiac in medieval times, brought us together ... "She came down to London to have dinner with me, and she said it wasn't until we got to the restaurant, that she was comfortable it was really me and not an imposter." The pair got married in August 2016. Gregg said he was worried about the age gap but she wasn't concerned. He explained: "People look at you anyway and I felt really conscious because she was younger, and I didn't want people to judge her harshly." In addition to son Sid, the presenter has two other children, Libby and Tom, with his second wife, former pastry chef Denise. Sid has autism, which Gregg has discussed in the past. "Sid has autism. He's three, you can't legally diagnose it in this country until they are two-and-a-half, but we knew at about a year old that we had some issues. For us he wasn't answering to his name, he wasn't playing peek-a-boo," he said in 2022. "He was walking and running around but he's got autism and he's got something called global development delay. So he's not speaking. But he is lovely and he is cuddly and he is happy. And if he wants something he grabs your hand and takes you."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gregg Wallace shares warning he reacts to BBC sacking in statement
Following the decision by the BBC to axe him from his role, former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has vowed to to defend himself Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has warned the BBC he "will not go quietly" after their decision to terminate their connection. It was announced on Tuesday that the former presenter, 60, will no longer be employed by the organisation. It comes as it was announced Gregg has been sacked from MasterChef over misconduct claims. He had been accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period. Fifty people made fresh misconduct claims against the TV presenter, according to BBC News, but he continues to deny all allegations. Now, in a lengthy statement, the former greengrocer has slammed the BBC, saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him. In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, he said: "I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report - a decision I do not take lightly. "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." Was the BBC right to sack Gregg Wallace? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say. He went on to accuse the BBC of "peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories. He said: "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." And Gregg also explained how it was his personality that had sold him to the BBC in the first place. "I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer," he continued. "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." He also claimed that his autism diagnosis wasn't looked after properly. "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 twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried." After continuing to share his concerns, Gregg signed off: "I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest."
