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MasterChef Co-Host John Torode Acknowledges Racist Language Allegation amidst Gregg Wallace Fallout
In the wake of meaningful repercussions for his “MasterChef” co-host Gregg Wallace, John Torode has publicly addressed an allegation of using racial language. the incident in question is reported to have occurred in either 2018 or 2019.
Torode confirmed his identity as the individual accused,stating,”For the sake of openness,I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion.” However, the well-known chef firmly denies the accusation, asserting, “I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not beleive that it happened.”
According to Torode’s statement, the allegation also suggested that the person he was speaking with did not perceive the remark as malicious and that he offered an immediate apology. Despite this context provided within the allegation, Torode expressed his dismay.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offense,” he commented. He emphasized his firm stance, adding, “I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any habitat.”
This disclosure follows the BBC and producer Banijay U.K.’s decision to end Gregg Wallace’s nearly two-decade association with “MasterChef.” This move was prompted by an examination conducted by Lewis Silkin, which substantiated 45 out of 83 claims leveled against Wallace, dating from 2005 to 2024.
The comprehensive investigation also reviewed 10 seperate allegations concerning other individuals involved in the productions, validating two of them. Both of these confirmed allegations pertained to inappropriate language: one involving profanity and the other, now identified as involving Torode, concerning racist language.
Unlike Wallace, whose exit from “MasterChef” was deemed “untenable” by both the BBC and Banijay U.K., Torode’s future with the program remains uncertain. The BBC has yet to release any official statement regarding Torode’s position following his acknowledgment of the substantiated allegation.
The Lewis Silkin inquiry, which spanned seven months and involved interviews with 78 individuals, was initiated in December 2024 in response to media reports detailing accusations against Wallace. The investigation delved into the workplace environment and the processes for handling complaints across the production’s nearly twenty-year history.
These findings have cast a significant shadow over one of BBC One’s most prosperous television formats. “MasterChef” has been a flagship program for the network since Torode and Wallace began their co-hosting partnership in 2005. Their collaborative efforts where instrumental in elevating “MasterChef” to a global phenomenon, leading to the creation of numerous international adaptations and spin-off series.
With Wallace’s departure now confirmed and questions arising about Torode’s continued involvement, the future direction of the “MasterChef” format is currently unclear.
