Gregg Wallace has said he is “deeply sorry for any distress caused” after new findings from an investigation found that 45 out of 83 allegations made against him were upheld. It comes after the TV host was sacked as MasterChef presenter last week after an inquiry into his alleged misconduct. Wallace has since spoken out and said he “never set out to harm or humiliate.”
In November 2024, MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The findings of the report said a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact.”
In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait.”None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”
The report found that the “majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with only one allegation substantiated after 2018.
It also concluded the “majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour”, adding that “a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated”, with “one incident of unwelcome physical contact” also substantiated.
The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.
In his statement, Wallace added: “I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.”
He praised the show’s production company, Banijay, saying they had “given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.
“To those who’ve shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.”
The former greengrocer said: “There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”
During the investigation, it was also found that “10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated”, relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language.
Banijay UK said that “Wallace’s return to MasterChef (is) untenable” following the number of sustained allegations. The BBC also said it has “informed” Wallace that it has “no plans to work with him in future.”
A statement said: “The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.”
The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: “We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.”
Their statement added: “We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
Downing Street said it is “right that a thorough investigation has been conducted” into the allegations, with the Prime Minister’s official spokesman adding: “We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace. We’re clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.”