Gregg Wallace investigation a ‘long time coming’ after ‘historic allegations’ surface against BBC star
The investigation into BBC presenter Gregg Wallace is a “long time coming” as more people emerge to accuse the star of “inappropriate behaviour”, it has been claimed.
The MasterChef host has stepped away from the BBC cooking show while the historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by production company Banijay UK.
In an Instagram post, Wallace addressed the situation and thanks “all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support”.
Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among the 13 complainants, alleging Wallace told jokes of a “sexualised nature” during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
Speaking to GB News, entertainment reporter Stephanie Takyi claimed that the “historic allegations” go back “17 years”, and Wallace was “scolded by the BBC” back in 2018.
Takyi explained: “Basically this has been a long time coming. The Daily Telegraph had been working on an exposé to do with Gregg Wallace for weeks now, but these allegations actually go back 17 years – 13 historic allegations of inappropriate behaviour that he’s done on set.
“But there’s a big question about the BBC, because they first warned him about his behaviour in 2018. Six years later, it’s now come to a head with further allegations.
“But it has been said that the BBC are trying to shift the blame to the production company of MasterChef, who have said that they are now investigating it.”
Detailing some of the accusations against Wallace, Takyi told GB News that some of the complaints include the presenter “turning up naked” on set.
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Takyi said: “Apparently, most of them have been sexual misconduct making jokes.
“One of them included him apparently turning up naked on set, only covering his genitals with a sock, and him insinuating sexual gestures in front of some of his female colleagues. And no it’s all just come to a head.”
Recalling her personal experience with Wallace, Takyi spoke of his “jovial” character and how in a more modern culture of television, people are more “sensitive” to such behaviour.
Takyi added: “I’ve interviewed him before and he’s quite a jovial character. But the problem now is that in this day and age, people are so sensitive about things.
“Especially with the BBC and how they handle such allegations. I’m not saying he’s guilty of anything here, because he does say he’s innocent, but what’s happening is once you start getting these kind of stories, it’ll be strength in numbers.”
The production company stated: “While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.”
A BBC spokesman responded: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.”
The spokesman added: “Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company.”