BBC Faces Scrutiny Over Allegations Against Gregg Wallace Following External Investigations

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The BBC is once again grappling with allegations of misconduct involving one of its prominent stars, this time Gregg Wallace, the long-time presenter of *MasterChef*. However, the revelations of alleged inappropriate behavior only emerged following investigative work by external journalists, particularly *The Telegraph*, rather than through the corporation’s internal processes.  

 

Gregg Wallace has thanked people for their "support" in a video posted on Instagram. He stepped down from MasterChef over allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments on a range of programmes over 17 years.

Gregg Wallace has thanked people for their "support" in a video posted on Instagram. He stepped down from MasterChef over allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments on a range of programmes over 17 years.https://t.co/ppnKbAJvCs pic.twitter.com/9iIUwKz8Sx

— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 28, 2024

 

Wallace, 60, has "stepped away" from *MasterChef* amidst claims of inappropriate conduct towards women on set. These accusations include highly inappropriate actions and comments. Reports allege that Wallace appeared naked in the *MasterChef* studio with nothing but a sock covering his genitals and performed what was described as a "silly dance." In another incident, Wallace allegedly mimicked a sex act in front of a production staff member and made sexually explicit jokes during filming.  

 

 

The allegations, while unproven, have sparked significant public and internal backlash. Wallace denies any wrongdoing, and an inquiry by *MasterChef*'s production company is underway. Despite this investigation, the BBC faces criticism for being reactive rather than proactive in addressing such claims.  

 

Sir Rod Stewart added fuel to the controversy by accusing Wallace of bullying his wife, Penny Lancaster, during a 2021 appearance on the show. “Good riddance, Wallace... You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out, didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya,” Stewart wrote on Instagram.  

 

Additional allegations have emerged from various individuals who worked with Wallace. Kirsty Wark, a *Newsnight* host, is among 13 individuals accusing Wallace of inappropriate "sexualized" behavior during filming. Wark recalled two instances during the 2011 *Celebrity MasterChef* series where Wallace shared jokes and comments of a sexual nature in front of contestants and crew, describing his remarks as “really, really in the wrong place.”  

 

“It was completely one-way traffic,” Wark said. “I think people were uncomfortable. It was something I really did not expect to happen.”  

Adding to the tension, Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir, who participated in the 2017 *Celebrity MasterChef* series, posted a cryptic social media message: “Always keep your receipts.” While it is unclear whether Mir has filed a complaint, her statement has further fueled speculation about Wallace's behavior.  

 

The BBC now finds itself under scrutiny not only for the alleged actions of its star but also for its failure to uncover and address these issues internally. Critics argue that such revelations should not rely on the diligence of outside media organizations. With Wallace’s *MasterChef* career hanging in the balance and the corporation facing yet another scandal involving sexual misconduct, the BBC’s handling of these allegations is likely to come under intense public and institutional review.  

 

As the inquiry proceeds, questions persist about the corporation’s ability to safeguard its workplace and respond to concerns effectively. For now, the spotlight remains on Wallace and the broader culture within the BBC that allowed these claims to surface only through external pressure.  

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail | Daily Telegraph | Sky News 2024-11-30

 

 

 

[RayWright]

Having had the odd pint with the ex barrow boy, what you see is what you get with Greg. If this allegedly has been going on for a while, the the failure to react must be at the feet of the numerious producers of the various TV shows. 

Mind you, the production company behind MasterChef is Shine TV, founded by Elizabeth Murdoch in 2001, whose dad was no slouch when it came to promoting leud images and behaviour. Shine was  merged into Endermol in 2014, hardly an icon of righteous programming.

[mikeymike100]

BBC under scrutiny, again? How many times is it now?

Why does it almost always seem to be the BBC that has these 'type' of people working for them. Do they naturally attract them, or is it something deeper?

[PETERTHEEATER]

Is this the man who owns the UK chain of sausage roll shops?