LONDON — The BBC is under increasing pressure as allegations of sexual misconduct emerge against one of the co-presenters of its well-known cooking competition, “Masterchef.”
Gregg Wallace, who has been a familiar face on the show for years, is accused by several women of making inappropriate sexual remarks and acting inappropriately on set during his 17-year tenure.
Last week, Wallace announced that he would temporarily step back from the program while an investigation into the claims was conducted. However, he attracted further backlash on Sunday when he publicly remarked on social media that the complaints originated from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”
He contended that throughout his two decades with “Masterchef,” he had interacted with thousands of contestants from various backgrounds and noted that there had only been 13 complaints during that time. This statement has caused anger among some of the women who have come forward with allegations against him.
Television presenter Aggie MacKenzie, who competed on “Celebrity Masterchef” in 2011, commented that Wallace’s remarks demonstrate a significant lack of understanding and insight into his behaviors, asserting that he does not comprehend the impact of his actions. She recounted that she experienced countless inappropriate jokes from Wallace, criticizing the workplace environment that has permitted him to continue his behavior unchecked over the years.
The allegations include instances where Wallace reportedly undressed in the presence of female colleagues, made remarks about his personal sex life, and directed sexualized jokes that left women feeling uncomfortable during filming. Reports indicate that 13 individuals from various shows where Wallace worked have alleged inappropriate comments made by him over nearly two decades.
The situation has raised inquiries concerning the BBC’s protocols for addressing sexual misconduct allegations and the rationale for allowing Wallace to maintain his role on popular programs despite such serious complaints. An internal investigation initiated after a complaint was lodged in 2018 found Wallace’s behavior to be “unacceptable and unprofessional.”
Wallace’s legal team has refuted the claims, insisting that he does not engage in any form of sexually harassing conduct. The BBC has stated that it possesses “robust processes” to handle raised issues but has withheld comments on Wallace’s specific case due to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the production company behind “Masterchef.”