John Torode issues statement after being axed from BBC MasterChef following Gregg Wallace probe: ‘Hoped I’d have a say’
John Torode has broken his silence after being axed from BBC MasterChef alongside his co-host, Gregg Wallace.
The update came earlier on Tuesday after it was announced an allegation of a racist comment against Torode had been upheld.
It came to light after more than 40 accusations were made for misconduct against Wallace, who was officially removed from the show last week.
Torode stated on Monday that the racist language complaint was made in regard to himself, before he was axed on Tuesday.
Taking to Instagram, Torode shared a new statement which read: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banjay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.
“The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.”
He continued: “I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in [the] last few days seem to have prevented that.
“Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.
“Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.
“Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.”
Turning to the future, the TV chef added: “I will watch fondly from afar as I no focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards.
“My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.
“Life is everchanging and ever moving and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.”
He signed off the statement: “Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. John Torode.”
In his initial statement on Monday, Torode said he had “no recollection” on the incident, and that he did “not believe that it happened”.
BBC Chair Samir Shah revealed that several members of staff have been dismissed following an independent review of workplace culture commissioned by the BBC.
“This is the first time we’re going to say this publicly, several people have been dismissed as a result,” Shah announced during the Annual Report briefing.
He noted that “since April more staff have been confident to step forward and several people have been dismissed as a result.”
Shah acknowledged there remain pockets within the broadcaster where “powerful individuals” can still “make life for their colleagues unbearable.”
The BBC boss emphasised that he and the leadership team would not “tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values,” adding: “There is no place in, or on the BBC, for those who are not prepared to live by our values, whoever they are.”