Gregg Wallace Apologizes After 45 Misconduct Allegations Upheld, MasterChef Future and Industry Reform in Focus

Gregg Wallace has publicly apologized after 45 allegations of inappropriate behavior on MasterChef were upheld in an independent inquiry. The TV presenter said he was “deeply sorry for any distress” caused, insisting he never intended to “harm or humiliate” anyone.

The investigation found one substantiated case of unwelcome physical contact and three involving Wallace being in a state of undress. While 83 allegations were made in total, the majority of the substantiated claims involved inappropriate sexual language, humor, and culturally insensitive or racist remarks.

The inquiry, launched by production company Banijay and led by an independent law firm, followed a BBC News investigation that revealed the initial claims against Wallace. As a result, Wallace was dismissed from MasterChef. The future of the upcoming series, which had already been filmed with Wallace, remains uncertain. Downing Street expressed support for the BBC’s decision to sever ties with the presenter and emphasized the need to prevent abuses of power in the media industry.

Wallace Addresses Allegations, Cites Autism Diagnosis, Faces Criticism and Public Scrutiny

The inquiry found allegations spanning a 19-year period, with six complaints made to Banijay and another six to the BBC. Ten allegations were unrelated to Wallace, two of which were substantiated. During the investigation, Wallace was diagnosed with autism. He acknowledged the diagnosis might provide some context for his behavior, but emphasized he did not intend to use it as an excuse. However, his attempt to connect the diagnosis to the misconduct allegations drew criticism from autism organizations.

In his statement, Wallace reiterated that none of the “serious” allegations were upheld. He challenged the claim of unwanted touching but ultimately accepted that perceptions differed. While he admitted that some of his humor and language had “missed the mark,” he maintained that he tried to bring “warmth and support” to the show. Wallace expressed gratitude for those who supported him and lamented the challenges faced by working-class figures in modern broadcasting.

Inquiry Sparks Relief, Criticism, and Urgent Calls for Reform in Creative Industry Culture

Former colleagues and MasterChef participants expressed relief and satisfaction with the inquiry’s outcome. One woman who accused Wallace of dropping his trousers said she was “relieved” and praised the inquiry for validating the more serious complaints. Others criticized the BBC and Banijay for their inaction and called for resignations. Many hope the findings will empower more women and marginalized individuals to report misconduct in the entertainment industry.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the allegations as “horrendous and appalling,” calling for systemic change in how creative industries address workplace misconduct. Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, condemned the long-standing tolerance of inappropriate behavior and emphasized the vulnerability of freelancers. She cited misogyny, ageism, and harassment as persistent problems enabled by poor accountability and power imbalances, urging stronger protections and better reporting systems across the industry.