Fired MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is taking legal action against the BBC by filing a lawsuit with the High Court today, citing a data protection claim. This move follows his dismissal from MasterChef a few months back due to misconduct allegations that saw 40 claims upheld against him. Wallace, a 60-year-old greengrocer who co-hosted the show with John Torode for 21 years, was ousted alongside Torode for inappropriate conduct.
An investigation by production company Banijay UK earlier this year substantiated 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace. The complaints mainly revolved around his use of sexual language and humor, with a few involving instances of partial undress and unwanted physical contact.
In response, Wallace admitted that his on-air humor was inappropriate but contested the claims as baseless and sensationalized. He expressed defiance on social media, stating, “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”
Reportedly seeking the disclosure of confidential documents to vindicate himself, Wallace has not formally notified the BBC of his legal proceedings, as per a statement from the broadcaster to BBC News.
Torode, Wallace’s co-host, was also dismissed following the report’s discovery of his use of a highly offensive racial slur. Torode has claimed no recollection of the incident.
During a recent appearance before the UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee, BBC director general Tim Davie defended the decision to air the ongoing series of MasterChef featuring Wallace and Torode. Davie highlighted that the majority of chefs on the show supported its broadcast despite the duo’s involvement.
Davie stated, “I think it was the right decision, but I acknowledge that both sides of the argument are valid. The consequences for the former MasterChef presenters have been significant as they are no longer associated with the BBC. Viewers have the choice to watch or not, which underscores the trust in the audience.”
