Gregg Wallace’s MasterChef co-presenter John Torode has said he has “no recollection” of using racist language while making the BBC show.
On Monday, the BBC confirmed it has has cut ties with Wallace after an external report upheld 45 claims against him, with the majority of them relating to inappropriate sexual language and humor but also culturally insensitive and racist comments over a 19-year period. He was fired from his role as a host on the long-running cooking series last week.
Conducted by an independent law firm ordered by MasterChef‘s production company Banijay, the inquiry also highlighted allegations made against two others.
“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion,” the star posted to Instagram on Tuesday, adding that he has “no recollection” of any of it. “I do not believe that it happened,” he said.
“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,” Torode also said.
Wallace had initially pushed back on the claims made against him, accusing BBC News of “uncorroborated tittle tattle” after a report was published in which over 50 people came forward with their experiences of inappropriate behavior relating to Wallace.
He said his autism diagnosis played a part, and the inquiry later said findings should be made “in the context of his neurodiversity.” Wallace wrote on Instagram last Tuesday: “Nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years… I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.”
However, a new statement from Wallace on Monday to the U.K.’s PA news agency has Wallace apologizing for the harm. “I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”
He said his humor and language “missed the mark,” adding: “I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off… This has been brutal. For a working class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.” THR have approached a rep for Wallace for comment.
Wallace stepped away from MasterChef in 2024 while allegations were investigated, but the BBC now faces a dilemma on what to do with the new series of the show, filmed with the 60-year-old last year.
U.K. culture secretary Lisa Nandy said there were “too many cultures of silence” as the results of the inquiry prompted a national conversation about workplace conduct. She called the allegations against Wallace “horrendous and appalling”.
“This case highlights a wider issue and much more must be done to ensure that everyone working in the creative industries is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” Nandy added.