BBC MasterChef star defends Gregg Wallace following ‘misconduct’ probe: ‘I’ll stand by that’
MasterChef star William Sitwell has defended his colleague Gregg Wallace amid misconduct allegations, insisting he has “never seen him utter an unkind word to anyone deliberately.”
Sitwell emphasised he was “speaking from his own experience” after 13 people, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused Wallace of inappropriate behaviour during filming.
“I’m not gaslighting, you sometimes have to speak from your own experience,” Sitwell commented.
The food writer, who regularly appears on the BBC show, reflected on his two decades of working alongside Wallace.
“That’s not to say that I’m 100 percent correct. I did write a piece about him, describing the Gregg that I’ve known over the years. I’ll stand by that,” he added whilst speaking on Times Radio to John Pienaar.
The defence comes as Wallace steps back from Celebrity MasterChef while an investigation is conducted into his behaviour.
Wallace has faced multiple serious allegations about his conduct during filming.
At least 13 women have made formal complaints about Wallace across five shows over a 17-year period.
The accusations include claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes and shared intimate details of his sex life.
More serious allegations suggest he walked around set naked except for a sock, and would take off his clothes in front of women on set.
He has also been accused of groping two crew members and flirting with members of staff.
Additional women have described inappropriate experiences on social media since the scandal broke.
Wallace’s lawyers have denied any allegations that he has engaged in behaviour amounting to sexual harassment.
The BBC has already cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the publicity storm, as show producers Banijay conduct their investigation.
Sitwell carefully qualified his defence of Wallace during the Times Radio interview.
“Look, I’m not someone who could possibly dispute the evidence. I think sometimes it’s a good thing to stand by your friends,” he told Pienaar.
When Pienaar suggested Sitwell was “taking a loyal line there to a mate,” the food writer acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“I know him well. I wish him well. I think it’s very difficult to survive under the avalanche of press publicity. I have some sympathy,” Sitwell said.
He maintained that the investigation would need to run its course.
“We’ll just have to see what comes from the Banijay investigation,” he added.
Grace Dent, 51, has been confirmed as Wallace’s replacement for the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef.
The author and podcaster has previously appeared as a guest on MasterChef and competed in MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics last year.
“I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa,” Dent said.
“It’s all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me.”
Her fellow judge John Torode welcomed the appointment, praising her expertise and previous contributions to the show.
“She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges,” Torode said.
Sources close to the show described Dent as “the perfect choice,” citing her food knowledge and no-nonsense style.
They added that having a woman judge would “shake things up” and help steer the show through its current difficulties.
Wallace has reportedly told friends he “accepts his TV career is basically at an end” in the wake of the investigation into alleged sexual harassment and groping.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Adele accused of plagiarism as Brazilian judge orders song to be pulled globallyBBC viewers slam Sports Personality of the Year hosts as ‘sexism’ row sparked: ‘Wokefest!’BBC Strictly fans fume ‘what’s the point’ as live tour line-up slammed over missing stars
The presenter initially sparked controversy by taking to Instagram to blame “middle-aged” women for the complaints.
He later backtracked and apologised for any “offence caused” after the video prompted national outrage.
Among those who have spoken out about his behaviour are former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, Penny Lancaster and TV chef Gizzi Erskine.
The external review into historical allegations of misconduct continues, with production company Banijay leading the investigation.
Wallace’s position appears increasingly precarious, with a source telling MailOnline he has admitted “defeat” regarding his television future.
His lawyers maintain their previous statement to the BBC that “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.