MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has publicly apologized after facing backlash for comments he made regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior. 

The 60-year-old presenter initially claimed that the accusations stemmed from “middle-class women of a certain age,” 

a remark that was swiftly condemned as “inappropriate and misogynistic” by Downing Street.

Wallace recently stepped away from the popular cooking competition following the emergence of allegations spanning 17 years. 

Thirteen individuals have come forward with claims about his past conduct, and more high-profile figures have since shared their own experiences.

Controversial Remarks and Apology

Wallace first addressed the allegations in a now-deleted Instagram video, in which he suggested he could predict the type of people making the accusations. 

The comments were met with strong criticism, prompting a response from a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street, who confirmed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had engaged in discussions with BBC executives regarding workplace culture and the network’s complaint-handling procedures.

Following the growing outrage, Wallace issued a second video on Monday, retracting his earlier comments and expressing regret. “I wish to apologize for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people,” he said. The television host explained that he was under immense emotional strain when he made the initial statement. “I wasn’t in a good headspace when I posted it; I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it.”

Wallace, who maintains that he has never engaged in inappropriate behavior, announced his intention to step away from the public eye while the investigation continues. “It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway. I hope you understand and I do hope you will accept this apology.”

Pressure on the BBC

The BBC has also faced mounting scrutiny over its handling of past complaints against Wallace. Labour MP Rupa Huq, a member of the cross-party culture committee, suggested that MasterChef should be temporarily removed from air while the allegations are being investigated. She argued that taking such action would send a clear message that inappropriate workplace behavior will not be tolerated.

Reports indicate that concerns over Wallace’s conduct were raised internally at the BBC as early as 2017. A complaint from journalist and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir led to BBC executive Kate Phillips warning Wallace that his behavior was “unacceptable and cannot continue.” The following year, he reportedly received another warning after a complaint related to his involvement with the quiz show Impossible Celebrities.

While the BBC insists that it has acted appropriately in response to complaints, some critics argue that the broadcaster failed to address the issue thoroughly. Former BBC head of news Roger Mosey wrote in The Independent that both BBC management and Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, should have been aware of issues surrounding Wallace’s behavior.

A Broader Problem?

As the allegations continue to surface, a former MasterChef contestant has come forward, describing the show’s environment as “toxic” and suggesting that Wallace’s behavior was only part of a larger issue. In an interview with Sky News, the unnamed contestant claimed, “There was a systemic problem that was larger than just him. Gregg… would occasionally crack jokes that, in different ways, felt inappropriate, but he wasn’t the only one.”

The contestant further alleged that inappropriate behavior was widespread among male figures involved in the production, adding, “It certainly wasn’t everyone, but there were certainly people from all levels of the organization.”

Investigation Underway

In response to the controversy, production company Banijay UK has appointed the law firm Lewis Silkin to conduct an independent investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct. The BBC has stated that it will support the production company in handling the matter, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a respectful work environment.

Despite calls to pull MasterChef from the air, new episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue to be broadcast as scheduled. The BBC emphasized that the show is about more than just one individual, noting that it provides life-changing opportunities for the chefs who participate.

Moving Forward

As Wallace takes a step back, questions remain about how the entertainment industry, particularly the BBC, addresses workplace misconduct allegations. While Wallace insists that the claims against him are false, the unfolding investigation will likely determine the long-term impact of the controversy on his career and the future of MasterChef.

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