Wallace is 'deeply sorry' as 45 allegations are upheld

While 'Masterchef' co-presenter John Torode says allegation that he used racist language is also upheld in the new report

- JACOB STOLWORTHY

Gregg Wallace has said he is “deeply sorry for any distress” caused after a MasterChef report substantiated 45 allegations Veteran presenter Gregg Wallace has been dropped by the BBC (PA) against him. Yesterday, hours before the findings of the investigation were revealed, the host, who has been dropped by the BBC, said that he had “never set out to harm or humiliate” anyone with his behaviour.

“For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud,” Wallace told reporters, as he hit out at the BBC for “exposing” him to “trial by media fuelled by rumour and clickbait”. Wallace said that “none of the serious allegations against” him had been upheld and that he also “challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching, but [has] had to accept a difference in perception”.

He continued: “A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning. [Production company] Banijay have given me great support and I thank them.”

More than half of the 83 allegations against Wallace were upheld, including one of unwelcome physical contact and several citing the inappropriate sexual language and being in a state of undress. A total of 78 witnesses provided evidence. The “vast majority (94 per cent)” of the 83 allegations were linked to behaviour that allegedly happened between 2005 and 2018. Only one was substantiated from after that time period.

Wallace faced multiple accusations, including claims that he had made inappropriate sexual jokes, asked for the phone numbers of female production staff, and behaved unprofessionally around female colleagues on set. He denied the allegations, and last week vowed to “not go quietly” after being dropped by the broadcaster, who said the notion of his returning to MasterChef is “untenable”.