During her appearance on ITV’s Loose Women, Penny Lancaster alleged that she was a “victim to some of the bullying and harassment behaviour” by Gregg Wallace. Penny broke her silence after her husband's Sir Rod Stewart's heated social media outburst at the MasterChef host.
Previously, Sir Rod Stewart accused Gregg of 'humiliating' his wife during her stint on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021 - a claim made public after news emerged that Gregg would be temporarily leaving the programme pending a review of historical complaints against him. Sir Rod didn't mince words, lambasting on Twitter: "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. Sir Rod Stewart."
Penny explained on Loose Women: "I didn't realise my husband had sent that post out until it was out. And of course, you can imagine the influx of inquiries there were.
"I most definitely was witness and victim to some of the bullying and harassment behaviour of Gregg Wallace and, unfortunately, a lot of those involved in the production team were also witness to that," she shared.
"And I really feel that he used his position of power to, I believe, intimidate and cause distress to a lot of people on set. And it's really unfortunate that someone like him is allowed to get away with that, and while others sort of stand by and let it happen at the same time."
Penny revealed she was 'in shock' over her husband's harsh comments. The model confessed: "I felt a little bit vindicated that something was put out there.... "it's shocking to think how many women do suffer in the hands of men in a powerful position and are too afraid to speak out," reports the Mirror.
She concluded: "They don't feel at the time that they're going to be supported or listened to. So sometimes it can take a few years later for someone to mention something. It gives the other victims and people that have suffered the confidence to come forward."
Gregg stepped down from MasterChef a couple of weeks ago due to the investigation, but responded to the accusations with a series of posts on Instagram. In his posts, Gregg strongly denied having participated in any wrongdoing.
BBC bosses previously said the corporation will not “tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect” and will continue to champion “a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful”.
A memo sent to staff by the BBC director-general, Tim Davie, and Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, said the corporation would be supporting MasterChef producer Banijay UK in its investigation.
Last week, Gregg apologised for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, adding he will “take some time out”.
Lawyers for the former MasterChef judge have previously strongly denied “he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, according to BBC News.
