ITV were ‘warned’ of Gino D’Acampo’s ‘inappropriate’ behaviour decades before allegations came to light
This Morning staff reportedly raised concerns about Gino D’Acampo’s behaviour approximately a decade ago, with multiple crew members flagging issues about bullying and sexually inappropriate comments to bosses.
Several production team members are said to have reported their concerns to senior management, with alerts continuing as recently as 2023.
The revelations come amid a wider investigation into the 48-year-old celebrity chef’s conduct, which has led to the removal of his shows from ITV’s schedule.
The allegations span more than 12 years, with dozens of people now coming forward to describe their experiences working with D’Acampo and a source telling The Sun it was “no secret” that D’Acampo was difficult to work with, with many staff members dreading being on set with him.
“He would constantly joke about his manhood and make sexually explicit comments that would make people uncomfortable,” the insider told the Sun.
The source added that D’Acampo “knew he was ‘The Talent’ and would throw his weight around”.
“A lot of people found him to be a bully, but felt they weren’t taken seriously when they approached senior staff members,” the insider said.
The source claimed D’Acampo “seemed to get away with it because it was all part of his cheeky charm and appeal, but underneath there was something more sinister”.
Comments made by D’Acampo in 2022 have resurfaced, where he acknowledged his behaviour was “dangerous” and that he had been “walking a fine line” on television for years.
Speaking to The Sun at the time, he said: “It’s very dangerous the way I do it. But I can get away with it, with my accent and because I’m Gino and everybody knows me for a long time.”
In a separate interview with Closer magazine, he insisted: “Everyone knows I mean well… I don’t mean it with maliciousness.”
The chef added: “I’m going to carry on the way I have been for the last 24 years and if the time comes when it’s my time to go, then it’s my time to go.”
ITV News has now spoken to over 40 people who claim to have witnessed or experienced inappropriate or intimidating behaviour by the celebrity chef.
D’Acampo has firmly denied the allegations, stating: “I have never been made aware of these matters previously. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone.”
The chef added that he has worked with over 1,500 people on around 80 productions throughout his career.
Among the specific allegations, one woman claimed D’Acampo made vulgar sexual comments during a magazine shoot in 2011, which his legal team has denied.
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ITV has removed all of D’Acampo’s shows from its schedule in response to the allegations with an ITV spokesman noting the broadcaster is “completely committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect”.
The broadcaster said that most of the allegations were not reported to ITV at the time, but “where issues have been raised with ITV action has been taken”.
The broadcaster emphasised that production companies have “the primary responsibility for the duty of care” of everyone they work with, describing the alleged behaviour as “inappropriate and unacceptable”.