Gregg Wallace has shared a message following allegations that he made ‘inappropriate sexual comments’.
Wallace, 60, has stepped away from his role on the long-running BBC TV show MasterChef as historical allegations of misconduct are investigated by its producer Banijay.
Taking to Instagram for the first time since reports emerged, Wallace posted a short video. Wallace, who was wearing a black North Face fleece, appeared sombre as he addressed the camera.
‘I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support,’ he said.
‘That’s good of you. Thank you very much.’
13 people who have worked with Wallace over 17 years, including former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Kirsty Wark, have accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments. Wark claimed he told ‘sexualised’ jokes while filming the show in 2011, BBC News reports.
A timeline of allegations about Gregg Wallace's conduct
May 29 2024: Reports claim Wallace left Inside The Factory after ‘derogatory banter towards female staff.
A source claimed to The Times: ‘He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.’
They added: ‘He was given a talking to and was appalled that he had caused such offence.’
The insider went on: ‘He felt that he was just trying to be friendly but no longer knew what the right thing to say was any more and decided to leave.’
October 13 2024: The Sun claims Wallace was investigated after claims he boasted about his sex life and took off his top in front of a female staffer on Impossible Celebrities in 2018.
October 14 2024: Wallace denied making ‘sexual comments’ towards the female employee on the BBC games show.
On Instagram, he said: ‘With reference to what’s in the newspapers, these allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago – and my comments were found to be not sexual. I repeat not sexual. Thank you.
‘Something else that I feel very strongly about, strong enough to be on here, nobody six years ago or since has accused me of flirting with anyone or hitting on anyone, and that is important to me, and I say this for my wife Anna, who I have been true to and madly in love with since the day I met her.
‘I don’t want anyone to misunderstand this and make it look like I was flirting with somebody. Nobody accused me of that and I never have.’
November 28 2024: Wallace steps away from MasterChef while the show’s producer conducts an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct.
Kirsty Wark is named as one of the 13 people accusing Wallace of making sexually inappropriate comments.
Wallace’s lawyers denied claims he ‘engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.’
Other allegations told to the publication include that Wallace spoke about his sex life, took his top off in front of a female member of staff as he wanted to give her a ‘fashion show’ and informed a junior female co-worker he was not wearing boxer shorts.
Wallace will not present the long-running cooking show while the investigation is underway and is ‘committed to fully cooperating throughout the process’.
His lawyers have also said it is ‘entirely false’ he engages in a ‘behaviour of a sexually harassing nature’.
The BBC said it had received the complaints from people and is taking them ‘seriously.’
A spokesperson for the broadcaster has told the PA news agency: ‘We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.
‘We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.
‘Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.’
Production company Banijay, which said it did not receive any complaints directly, acted after the complaints were raised to the BBC. They have now launched a ‘thorough’ investigation.
The firm’s statement said: ‘This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
‘Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
‘While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.
‘Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
‘Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.’
The statement added: ‘If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.’
Since the allegations were made public, Rod Stewart called Wallace leaving MasterChef ‘karma’.
Sir Rod, 79, wrote: ‘So Greg Wallace gets fired from Masterchef. Good riddance Wallace…
‘You humiliated my wife when she was on the show but you had that bit cut out didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya.’
More Trending
His wife Penny Lancaster appeared on Masterchef Celebrity in 2021, making it nearly all the way to the semi-final before being booted off.
Wallace has co-presented MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
He has also worked as a presenter on Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets.
Hot Property Picks from Metro
What I Own: Our £320,000 Leeds cottage has a country feel, but it's almost in the city
6 tenants share their wildest landlord stories after renting in the UK
What I Own: We relocated from New Zealand for our £550,000 St Neots home
Would you pay £6,000 a month to live in a house with a shark in the roof?
I spent six months paying my landlord rent — until the real owner turned up at my door
Wallace is married to Anne-Marie Sterpini and the couple have a son called Sid. He also has two children Tom and Libby, from a former relationship.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Gregg Wallace and Penny Lancaster’s clash revealed after Rod Stewart slams MasterChef host
MORE: What’s going to happen to MasterChef Christmas specials after Gregg Wallace allegations?
MORE: Gregg Wallace’s strangest controversies after he drops out of MasterChef
