Gregg Wallace Faces Backlash Over Comments
Gregg Wallace, the host of MasterChef, has come under fire for his response to allegations of inappropriate behavior made against him. The 60-year-old presenter is accused of making sexual jokes, asking for phone numbers of female production staff, and undressing in front of women. Wallace’s claim that these accusations came from “middle-class women of a certain age” has sparked outrage and criticism from various individuals, including former colleagues and celebrities.
Allegations and Response
Reports indicate that complaints about Wallace’s behavior date back to 2017, with BBC executives raising concerns about his conduct. Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir and producer Georgia Harding have both alleged instances of inappropriate behavior by Wallace. Despite these complaints, future episodes of MasterChef featuring Wallace are still scheduled to air, according to the BBC.
Legal and Investigative Actions
Wallace’s lawyers have denied the allegations, stating that he does not engage in sexually harassing behavior. The presenter, contracted on a series-by-series basis by Banijay for MasterChef, will not be hired for future series during the ongoing investigation. Additionally, allegations of inappropriate behavior on another show, Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends, are also being investigated by producer Rumpus Media.
Continued Scrutiny and Response
The BBC has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with concerns raised about the internal HR processes and responses to complaints. Despite claims that interventions were made in 2017 and 2018 following complaints about Wallace’s behavior, questions remain about the effectiveness of these actions. The involvement of BBC staff members in addressing the allegations has also been called into question, with demands for transparency and accountability in the handling of such cases.
