John Torode axed from BBC MasterChef for ‘using N-word’ while ‘singing to Kanye West’ song
The BBC has terminated John Torode’s contract after an investigation substantiated allegations that he used the N-word whilst singing along to Kanye West’s Gold Digger at an after-work gathering.
The MasterChef presenter, 59, allegedly repeated lyrics containing the racial slur during drinks with colleagues six or seven years ago, according to reports. The incident is understood to have occurred in 2018 following filming.
The corporation announced on Tuesday that Torode’s contract would not be renewed after law firm Lewis Silkin’s investigation found he had used an “extremely offensive racist term” in the workplace.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind,” the BBC stated, confirming they had instructed production company Banijay UK to take action.
According to sources, Torode allegedly used the N-word a second time whilst speaking to a colleague on the MasterChef production team, who reportedly did not take offence.
The complaint was raised by someone who overheard the conversation.
A witness told investigators that Torode had apologised immediately, “was mortified” and “didn’t use the term as a slur”, according to reports.
The production colleague allegedly backed Torode, saying he only used the racial slur as an “example” and “apologised afterwards”.
Torode has maintained he has “absolutely no recollection” of using racist language whilst drinking with colleagues seven years ago.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened,” he stated, adding that he finds “any racial language wholly unacceptable in any environment”.
Richard Osman has described the term Torode allegedly used as “the worst racial slur there is”, dismissing suggestions this was “woke gone mad”.
Speaking on his Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Osman said: “They found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with — that that was true.”
The presenter claimed Torode was offered a “second chance” involving a year off and mandatory training, which he allegedly refused.
“My understanding is that they took John Torode aside. And said we believe this happened and you used this language. He denied it,” Osman stated.
Osman also disputed Torode’s claim that he wasn’t informed of his sacking before the public announcement, saying: “My understanding is that isn’t true. The first time he heard it was when he was told it.”
Torode posted on Instagram following his dismissal: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”
Sources suggest the chef is “preparing to launch a lawsuit against the BBC” for unfair dismissal.
“He’s telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name,” sources told The Mirror.
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However, legal action may prove difficult as sources indicate Torode’s contract was with Banijay rather than the BBC.
A source described him as “devastated” by the situation, saying he “adored MasterChef” and is being supported by his wife Lisa Faulkner.