Official BBC announcements or press releases

Gregg Wallace Steps Back from MasterChef Amid Misconduct Allegations, Blames 'Middle-Class Women'

Dec 1, 2024, 09:51 AM

Gregg Wallace, the presenter of BBC's MasterChef, has stepped away from the show amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct. The investigation was initiated following complaints about Wallace's behavior, including claims of groping and making inappropriate sexual comments. Wallace has responded to these allegations by dismissing them as coming from 'middle-class women of a certain age', a statement that has drawn significant backlash. The BBC has known about concerns regarding Wallace's behavior since at least 2017, with multiple warnings and complaints over the years. A former MasterChef contestant has described the environment on the show as 'toxic', suggesting that the allegations against Wallace are just the 'tip of the iceberg'. The investigation has been handed over to a City law firm, and the BBC is facing scrutiny for its handling of the situation. Celebrity MasterChef winner Emma Kennedy reported Wallace 12 years ago, and Kirstie Allsopp has accused him of inappropriate behavior within the first hour of meeting him. Wallace has issued a cryptic message on social media and a video response to the allegations, while a hotline was set up for staff to report complaints about him.