Gregg Wallace investigation branded a ‘mess’ as BBC presenter issues apology: ‘Almost committed career suicide’
Former BBC presenter Roger Bolton has said Gregg Wallace has “almost committed career suicide” with his response to allegations about his behaviour.
Speaking to GB News, Bolton criticised Wallace’s attempts at damage limitation following controversy over his comments about “middle class women”.
In an Instagram video posted on Monday, Wallace appeared visibly emotional as he addressed his earlier controversial remarks.
The presenter said he was “not in a good headspace” when he made the comments, explaining he was “under a huge amount of stress” and felt “under siege”.
“It’s all damage and no limitation,” Bolton said, noting that Wallace’s apology was limited and showed he still didn’t understand the offence caused.
Bolton told GB News: “If you look at what he was trying to do yesterday, the sort of damage limitation, it’s all damage and no limitation, isn’t it? He didn’t apologise for what he did or what he said, it’s a limited apology for if he’s caused offence or whatever.
“I still don’t think he understands the offence he’s caused.”
Bolton suggested Wallace’s inability to self-censor meant he could no longer be trusted on television shows where he relies on verbal jokes.
Bolton told GB News that Wallace had been employed by the BBC specifically because of his working-class background and “gift of the gab”.
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“But he doesn’t have a self-censoring device, and all the efforts that have been made – they may not have been adequate – but all the efforts that have been made can’t get him to self-censor,” Bolton said.
He added: “I don’t think he can help himself.”
The former BBC presenter suggested that while Wallace might be “a very good, decent guy”, he could no longer be trusted on shows requiring verbal improvisation.
“You can never be sure how far it will go,” Bolton warned.
Bolton highlighted the challenges young people face in speaking out against established stars in the industry.
“If you’re going to stand up against an older man who’s a star, around whom a show is built, you really have to have a lot of courage,” he said.
He added that the BBC’s latest review “really have to do something special” to address these issues.
The BBC and production company Banijay launched an investigation into the complaints while Wallace decided to step back from presenting duties. He’s vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Banijay has “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process” and called on anyone who has a complaint against Wallace to come forward.
They advise anyone with an issue to speak to legal firm Lewis Silkin, who are heading up the investigation.
A spokesperson assured: “All information will be handled sensitively, and names of those providing evidence to the team will be kept confidential.”