Gregg Wallace, the esteemed presenter of MasterChef, recently found himself at the center of controversy due to comments he made regarding allegations against him. His statements, which suggested that complaints originated from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age,” prompted significant backlash, particularly for being perceived as dismissive and misogynistic. The outcry over his remarks prompted Wallace to publicly apologize, expressing regret for any offense that might have been caused.
In a post shared on his Instagram story, Wallace stated, “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.” He explained that he was not in a stable mental state when he made his comments, admitting to feeling overwhelmed by stress and isolation. He further elaborated, “It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology.” This statement illustrated both his awareness of the ongoing investigation into his behavior and his recognition of the impact his words had on the public.
This apology followed a previous video in which Wallace mentioned that there were “13 complaints” from the thousands of contestants he had worked with over his two decades on MasterChef. These allegations have arisen amid accusations of inappropriate behavior. Critics argue that Wallace’s previous comments suggest he has yet to grasp the severity of the situation, with one accuser noting that he seems to be portraying himself as a victim of classism rather than addressing the crux of the complaints.
Ulrika Jonsson, a former contestant on Celebrity MasterChef, vocally criticized Wallace’s remarks. She recounted an instance in which Wallace allegedly made a “rape joke,” stating that his responses reflected “the arrogance of a man who has zero introspection or self-awareness.” Jonsson expressed her outrage upon hearing Wallace reference women of a certain age in his comments, relaying how infuriated she felt by his insensitivity.
In light of these allegations, Wallace has temporarily stepped away from his role on MasterChef. A comprehensive investigation has been initiated by the BBC, which has gathered testimonies from 13 individuals across various shows. Although Wallace has denied any accusations of sexually harassing behavior, he has chosen not to engage with media requests for further interviews regarding the matter.
The discourse around Wallace’s comments extended beyond social media. A spokesperson from Downing Street criticized his remarks as “inappropriate and misogynistic,” emphasizing the importance of the BBC conducting an independent review into workplace culture. The need for timely recommendations from this inquiry was reiterated, highlighting the necessity of maintaining public confidence in the BBC’s response to such serious issues.
As Wallace steps away from the show amidst this turbulent backdrop, MasterChef is set to continue broadcasting new episodes. However, there have emerged calls for a potential pause in the schedule to avoid triggering any discomfort among the women who have come forward with allegations. MP Rupa Huq has suggested that airing further episodes could be detrimental and urged the BBC to consider halting the series during the ongoing investigation.
Production company Banijay UK has confirmed they are actively investigating the claims, with Wallace cooperating with the process. Accusations against him include reports from former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who stated that Wallace would tell stories of a “sexualized nature” while on set.
With the MasterChef series continuing to air and a Christmas special on the horizon, the implications of Wallace’s comments and the subsequent public and institutional response remain pertinent, illustrating the complexities of addressing allegations of inappropriate behavior in high-profile settings.
