BBC Faces Backlash Over MasterChef Broadcast Amid Presenter Misconduct Claims

Calls Mount to Reconsider Airing Series After Presenters Sacked

The British Broadcasting Corporation is under intense scrutiny to pull this year’s MasterChef series. This comes after presenters **Gregg Wallace** and **John Torode** were dismissed following substantiated claims of misconduct, including inappropriate behaviour and a racist slur.

Broadcasters Urged to Reject ‘Bad Behaviour’

The broadcast union Bectu has strongly urged the BBC to reverse its decision. Bectu head **Philippa Childs** stated that misconduct should not be rewarded with prime-time programming, emphasizing concerns for freelancers who raised complaints.

“If [the BBC] are serious about addressing this industry wide problem, broadcasters should not reward bad behaviour with prime-time coverage,”

—Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu

The Fawcett Society chief executive, **Penny East**, echoed these sentiments, calling the decision “deeply uncomfortable” for those who have spoken out about **Wallace’s** alleged actions. She questioned why individuals accused of sexual harassment are still granted platforms.

A MasterChef contestant, **Sarah Shafi**, revealed she was edited out of the series after requesting it not be broadcast. She expressed dismay at the BBC’s decision, feeling it was a betrayal of those who had come forward with allegations.

“This is a woman being edited out. Again, the woman gets silenced into extinction. It’s happening time and time again.”

—Sarah Shafi, MasterChef Contestant

In 2023, there were 15,000 reports of sexual harassment in the UK workplace, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing such issues (Trades Union Congress). **Shafi** further described her experience on the show as uncomfortable, feeling she was “eyed up and ogled” by **Gregg Wallace**.

Series Filmed Before Dismissals

The BBC maintained that the decision to air the new series, filmed prior to the presenters’ sackings, was made after careful consideration and consultation with contestants. The corporation acknowledged that the decision was not easy and that not everyone would agree.

The broadcaster stated that airing the series honors the contestants’ efforts, and the upheld findings against both presenters do not diminish the seriousness of their behaviour. Discussions are reportedly underway to re-edit the series, potentially reducing the on-screen presence of **Wallace** and **Torode**, with a focus shifted to the contestants.

A report earlier this year detailed over 40 upheld complaints against **Wallace**, including unwelcome physical contact, and a substantiated claim of **Torode** using a highly offensive racist term. **Wallace** has since apologized for “inappropriate” humour and language, while **Torode** stated he has no recollection of using any racist language.