Gregg Wallace, the popular MasterChef host, has found himself at the center of a serious controversy after multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced. The presenter, who has become a household name on BBC One, is accused of making sexually explicit comments and engaging in inappropriate conduct over a 17-year period while working on various television projects. Wallace, who has worked with John Torode on MasterChef since 2005, has denied the allegations, stating that the claims of sexual harassment are entirely false.
The Accusations Against Gregg Wallace
The allegations against Gregg Wallace have emerged from multiple individuals who worked with him on different shows, including MasterChef and Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends. According to reports, 13 people have come forward with accusations that Wallace made crude jokes, discussed intimate details about sex, and engaged in behavior that made his colleagues uncomfortable.
One woman, who worked with Wallace on Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends in 2019, alleged that he frequently made “lesbian jokes” and was overly interested in her personal relationships. She claimed Wallace would ask about the “logistics” of her dating life, which she found inappropriate. Other colleagues have reported similar experiences, describing Wallace’s behavior as “highly inappropriate” and sexually charged. These included frequent comments about spanking, threesomes, and discussing his own sex life openly with his co-workers.
Inappropriate Comments and Discomfort on Set
This is not AI The BBC really did broadcast Gregg Wallace saying this pic.twitter.com/neEBOXrIw1
— Andrew McBride (@andrewmcb) November 28, 2024
Several incidents of inappropriate behavior were also reported during filming sessions. One woman alleged that Wallace showed her a photo of a woman in her underwear on his phone, while another claimed he had asked to give her a “fashion show” in his hotel room in Italy. In this instance, she reported that Wallace had removed his shirt and invited her to look at his outfit choices, making her feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the situation.
Other reports involved comments that were both sexually suggestive and explicit. One man, who worked on multiple travel shows with Wallace, stated that Wallace would regularly talk about threesomes and would make comments about his love for spanking, which he said was a daily occurrence. A woman who appeared on MasterChef in 2019 claimed that Wallace had made suggestive remarks about her boyfriend’s physical appearance.
Reaction to the Allegations
Since the allegations surfaced, Wallace has stepped back from his presenting role on MasterChef and Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends, while investigations are underway. The BBC and the production companies behind his shows have launched inquiries to understand the full extent of the allegations and to ensure a safe environment for all those involved in their productions.
In response to the claims, Wallace posted a video on Instagram thanking his supporters, but vehemently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team has also issued statements labeling the allegations as “entirely false,” further asserting that Wallace never engaged in any behavior that could be categorized as harassment.
The Role of the BBC and Channel 5
The BBC, which airs MasterChef, has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and promised a thorough investigation. The broadcaster has emphasized that it takes any complaints about inappropriate behavior very seriously and has a robust process in place for handling such claims. Similarly, Channel 5, which airs Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends, has pledged to look into the matter and ensure that any concerns raised are addressed appropriately.
Meanwhile, some of Wallace’s colleagues have spoken out publicly, expressing their surprise at the allegations. Kirsty Wark, who appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, described Wallace’s behavior as “really, really in the wrong place,” citing instances where he made inappropriate sexual jokes during filming. Rod Stewart, whose wife Penny Lancaster appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, accused Wallace of humiliating his wife and called him a “tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully.”
A History of Inappropriate Jokes
Many who have worked with Wallace over the years recall him as a presenter who never shied away from cracking jokes, some of which could be considered offensive or “crass.” One such incident was captured on air in 2013, when Wallace made a sexually suggestive comment about an egg tart prepared by comedian Katy Brand. He told Brand, “I’ll munch the living daylights out of your little tart,” which she immediately responded to with surprise. Brand later confirmed that she took the remark as a sexual innuendo, and it was widely criticized for its inappropriate nature.
While Wallace has often been known for his jovial and informal demeanor on set, it’s clear that some of his jokes have crossed boundaries, leaving colleagues feeling uncomfortable and disrespected. His larger-than-life personality and tendency to make frequent, sometimes offensive, jokes have earned him a reputation as someone who does not always recognize when his humor is unwelcome.
As investigations into the allegations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that those who work in the entertainment industry are treated with respect and dignity. Broadcasting professionals, production companies, and networks must hold their employees, especially high-profile presenters like Wallace, accountable for their actions on and off set.
Former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey commented on the culture that has allowed such behavior to persist, emphasizing that no presenter should be treated as if they are above reproach. She called for more strict adherence to workplace standards and protocols, noting that individuals in the entertainment industry should not be allowed to get away with behavior that would not be tolerated in other work environments.
The Gregg Wallace That Viewers Knew
For many who have worked with Gregg Wallace over the years, the allegations are a shock. Known for his enthusiastic, sometimes brash, personality, Wallace has also been recognized for his dedication to his work and his openness about his personal life. He has been candid about his experiences with his family, including his autistic son Sid and his wife Anna, and has often shared details of his life with the public.
Despite his larger-than-life persona, those who have known him personally have been left wondering whether these allegations truly represent the man they know. For now, the investigations into Gregg Wallace’s behavior will continue, and the future of his career remains uncertain.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of creating respectful and professional environments in all workplaces—whether on or off camera.
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