BBC issues Gregg Wallace apology as it concedes ‘more could’ve been done’ after report confirms allegations of misconduct
The BBC has issued a lengthy statement in response to an independent report into Gregg Wallace’s conduct while working on MasterChef.
The report was first ordered by MasterChef’s production company Banijay in the wake of a BBC News investigation which revealed claims of inappropriate sexual comments against Wallace.
Its finding have been published a week after it had emerged he had been sacked from his role on MasterChef after initially stepping back in November last year.
Wallace had denied the allegations ahead of the report’s release, claiming it had cleared him of the “most serious and sensational” allegations.
Following the findings of the report being made public, the BBC released a lengthy response, apologising for its failings.
The statement in full reads: “We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace.
“In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.
“The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years.
“This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC.
“We accept that more could and should have been done sooner.”
The statement went on further: “We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year.
“We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.
“Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals.
“The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.
“The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.”
The statement also addressed MasterChef’s future. “At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year,” it said.
“We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met.
“This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.
“We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”