Gregg Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and conduct over 17 years, prompting him to step down from his role as MasterChef presenter. In his first detailed interview, Wallace refuted some claims, admitted to others, and disclosed feeling suicidal amid public scrutiny. While acknowledging past behavior, he denies groping or harassment, attributing some actions to private moments. The accusations involve various behaviors and come from 13 individuals. Wallace's autism diagnosis is cited, with support from some colleagues. The situation is under investigation.
Gregg Wallace has publicly defended himself against multiple allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and conduct spanning 17 years, which led him to step away from his role as MasterChef presenter last November. In his first detailed interview since the claims surfaced, Wallace stated that "not all of them are accurate" and expressed feeling "under siege," revealing that he even contemplated suicide due to the intense pressure and public scrutiny. He described experiencing overwhelming isolation and a lack of support, noting that no one from the BBC reached out to him as the stories unfolded.
Wallace initially responded defensively to the accusations, controversially dismissing the claims as coming from "a small group of middle-class women of a certain age," a remark that drew widespread criticism for being misogynistic and dismissive. He later apologized for this statement and acknowledged that some of the inappropriate remarks attributed to him were "probably accurate," though he firmly denied allegations of groping or sexual harassment. Wallace also explained some incidents, such as walking around with only a sock covering his genitals, as being done in private moments after filming, not during production.
The allegations include a range of behaviors, from inappropriate sexual comments and discussing his sex life openly, to more serious claims such as showing topless photos to colleagues and unsolicited touching. The accusations come from 13 individuals who worked with Wallace on five different shows, mostly young female freelancers. The production company Banijay UK has launched an internal investigation, with Wallace cooperating fully, while the BBC has stated it will listen to anyone wishing to report concerns.
Wallace has recently been diagnosed with autism, which he says helps explain some of his past behavior but does not excuse it. He expressed regret for any offense caused, stating he believed he was fulfilling expectations without realizing the impact of his actions. His co-host John Torode and some colleagues have shown support, though public and political figures have criticized his initial responses and the BBC’s handling of prior complaints. The situation remains under investigation, with no criminal charges currently filed.
https://www.nbnw.org/news/gregg-wallace-controversy-defense
Gregg Wallace is an English broadcaster, entrepreneur, and writer, best known for co-presenting the BBC cooking show MasterChef from 2005 until 2024. Born on October 17, 1964, in Peckham, London, he started his career as a greengrocer before moving into television and media.
In 2024, Wallace left MasterChef following allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour made by 13 people over a 17-year period, including some high-profile media personalities. He has denied all allegations, stating that "not all of them are accurate" and that the claims came from "a small group of middle-class women of a certain age". The production company Banijay UK initiated an external investigation into these historical complaints.
