MASTERCHEF host John Torode has released an explosive statement responding to allegations he made a racist remark.
The Australian chef, 59, has been dragged into the Gregg Wallace report after it was claimed the BBC asked him to resign over the alleged comments.
John Torode has responded to claims that he used racist language while working alongside Gregg Wallace on Masterchef[/caption]
Gregg Wallace is facing dozens of complaints over his conduct while working for the BBC[/caption]
The TV chef was cited – but not named – in the damning dossier over an incident dating back over eight years.
He allegedly made a racist remark during a private conversation – something John denies having any recollection of ever taking place.
Shockingly, the BBC and production company Banijay asked John to resign last week – and claim he had mental health problems.
He refused and has now issued a statement to The Sun confirming he was investigated over the alleged remarks.
John told how he intended to cause no offence to the person he was talking to and apologised immediately after the alleged incident at the time.
He has now come out and said: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the Investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
“For the sake of transparency I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion.
“The allegation is that I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened.
“However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
Last night a source close to the chef added: “John is absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess.
“John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn’t want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star.
“As Gregg has pointed out broadcasting is becoming a dangerous place especially when there is no concrete evidence.
“If the BBC let him go for this, where will it all end? There will soon be no-one left on telly.”
It follows a series of serious complaints being made about co-star and close friend Gregg Wallace.
In a bombshell report, 45 of 83 complaints about the TV star’s bad behaviour had been upheld – leading to his sacking last week.
One included unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
The under-fire host, 60, yesterday apologised, saying he “never set out to harm or humiliate”.
In total, the report says 83 allegations were made against Wallace, with the majority of the substantiated claims relating to inappropriate sexual language and humour, but also culturally insensitive or racist comments.
The inquiry, conducted by an independent law firm, was ordered by Banijay in the wake of a BBC News investigation which first revealed claims of inappropriate sexual comments against Wallace.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he “welcomed” the BBC cutting ties with Gregg Wallace and demanded action to end future “abuses of power”.
The PM’s spokesman said he still has “confidence” in the Corporation but that it must take steps to “ensure the public retains trust”.
The BBC has now also admitted the new series of MasterChef is still hanging in the balance.
Wallace is said to feature in the 20 episodes yet to be released.
Grace Dent is now set to be announced as his replacement on MasterChef UK, The Sun on Sunday revealed.
The food critic, 51, is understood to have been asked to start filming for MasterChef UK alongside chef Torode at the end of the summer.
It is unclear how the recent report and claims from the Aussie chef may change the BBC’s scheduling.
What did the report find?
An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace.
The report substantiated:
– Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo;
– Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments;
– Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone;
– Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments;
– Three claims that he was in a state of undress;
– Seven allegations of bullying;
– One allegation of unwanted touching.
The allegations span from 2005 to 2024
The pair hosted Masterchef together for almost two decades[/caption]
