Gregg Wallace, the well-known presenter of MasterChef, has recently faced a wave of allegations against him, leading him to step back from the show. In response to these accusations, Wallace posted a video online, where he dismissed the claims as coming from “middle-class women of a certain age”. He emphasized that he has worked with a diverse range of contestants over the years and finds the complaints unjustified.
The production company behind MasterChef, Banijay UK, has called for individuals with information regarding misconduct allegations to come forward and report to a legal firm appointed for investigation. This move aims to handle the situation sensitively and protect the confidentiality of those providing evidence.
Wallace, who has been a fixture on MasterChef since 2005, is facing historical allegations of misconduct that have prompted various reactions from the public. Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark and singer Sir Rod Stewart have both criticized Wallace for his behavior, with Stewart claiming that Wallace humiliated his wife Penny Lancaster in 2021. Despite these claims, Wallace has not directly addressed the allegations against him.
As the controversy unfolds, the charity Ambitious About Autism has severed ties with Wallace, citing the recent allegations as the reason for their decision. Wallace, who is a father of three, including a five-year-old non-verbal and autistic son, has previously responded to reports of misconduct, stating that he was cleared of any wrongdoing in a previous incident in 2018.
Throughout this challenging time, Wallace has expressed gratitude towards his supporters and thanked them for their ongoing support. The situation continues to evolve, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
