The BBC is facing calls to take its popular show MasterChef off the air following allegations of sexual harassment involving presenter Gregg Wallace. O
ver a dozen people have come forward, accusing Wallace of making inappropriate jokes and comments over a 17-year period. Wallace has denied these claims.
This controversy is the latest in a series of scandals for the BBC. Earlier this year, Strictly Come Dancing faced bullying allegations, and former news anchor Huw Edwards admitted to creating indecent images of children, narrowly avoiding jail.
The production company behind MasterChef, which airs in over 50 countries, is investigating the allegations. Wallace has stepped down from his presenting duties during the investigation, though the current season of MasterChef: The Professionals will still air as planned.
The accusations came to light through a BBC News investigation. The report also revealed Wallace had been previously warned by the broadcaster in 2018 after a similar complaint.
Wallace sparked further backlash by dismissing the new claims as being made by “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.” One accuser criticized his response, saying it showed he “hasn’t learnt his lesson.”
Labour MP Rupa Huq, a member of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, suggested pausing the show while the investigation unfolds. Speaking to BBC Radio, Huq said, “There is an argument for pausing while this investigation takes its course. If previous warnings were given, were the conclusions taken seriously?”
Wallace’s lawyers strongly denied the allegations, calling them “entirely false.” A BBC spokesperson stated that the organization has “robust processes” to handle complaints swiftly and fairly and encourages anyone with concerns to come forward.
