Wallace Faces New Misconduct Allegations

Additional allegations have surfaced against Gregg Wallace, leading to his dismissal from MasterChef. The broadcasting union head voiced concerns over the vulnerability of freelance workers to report misconduct.

Union Voices Concerns

Philippa Childs, the Bectu union’s general secretary, expressed little surprise at the fresh allegations against Wallace during a BBC Radio 4 interview. She highlighted that the union had also received complaints regarding his behavior.

Childs stated that numerous individuals, particularly young female freelancers, harbor “real fear” about reporting such incidents. She emphasized their concerns that someone like Wallace wields considerable power, making them question whether they would be heard.

She added that freelancers feel particularly susceptible due to the precarity of their careers in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 41% of freelance or contract workers receive benefits from their employer, making them more vulnerable to exploitation (BLS, 2022).

Details of the Allegations

The allegations include an incident in 2012 where Wallace allegedly lowered his trousers in front of a woman in a dressing room. A participant on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen also accused Wallace of placing his hand on her groin during a dinner in 2002, accompanied by an inappropriate comment.

BBC’s Response

The BBC dismissed Wallace before releasing the findings of a long-awaited inquiry into prior allegations from last year. Grace Dent has been confirmed to take Gregg Wallace’s place alongside John Torode for the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef.

Wallace’s Defense

Wallace acknowledged using inappropriate language but insisted he had been cleared of the most serious accusations. He also disclosed his recent autism diagnosis, stating that while his neurodiversity was frequently discussed on MasterChef, he received no support.

“I will not go quietly,” Wallace wrote in an Instagram post. “I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.”

Additional Claims

While many new allegations involved inappropriate remarks, the BBC reported that 11 women accused him of unwanted sexual conduct, including groping. Wallace has denied these allegations.

One woman who worked on MasterChef claimed that Wallace’s behavior was “disgusting and predatory.” She reported the incident, but was allegedly told: “You’re over 16. You’re not being Jimmy Saviled.”

Another MasterChef worker claimed she tried to complain in 2022 about Wallace’s comments about her body.

Investigation Underway

A BBC spokesperson stated that “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.” Banijay has also declined to comment pending the report’s official release.