Allegations and Investigation
GREGG Wallace's career is in jeopardy as he faces allegations of misconduct, with claims that he wandered naked into the MasterChef studio with only a sock covering his privates. The telly presenter has stepped down from the popular BBC1 show following complaints from 13 individuals.
Details of Allegations
Wallace, who has been the face of MasterChef since 2005, is accused of making inappropriate sexual jokes and gestures, including mimicking a sex act in front of a crew member. Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark has also spoken out about Wallace's behavior during filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
Response and Investigation
The show's production company, Banijay UK, has launched an external investigation into the allegations, with Wallace and the BBC cooperating fully. Wallace's lawyers deny the accusations of sexually harassing behavior, while Wallace himself thanked his fans for their support amidst the controversy.
Previous Incidents and Reactions
This is not the first time Wallace has faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, with warnings over sexual comments on another BBC show in the past. The BBC has stated they take all complaints seriously and have processes in place to address them. Wallace's co-star, John Torode, has yet to publicly comment on the situation.
Broader Context and Comparison
Wallace's case adds to a series of misconduct scandals involving BBC stars, including the recent Strictly and Match of the Day controversies. Despite the allegations, episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals will still air as scheduled next month.
