**Gregg Wallace Addresses MasterChef Sacking and Allegations**
Gregg Wallace has opened up about his dismissal from MasterChef following allegations of inappropriate behavior during his time at the BBC. The 60-year-old television presenter firmly stated, “I am not a groper, a sex pest, or a flasher,” while expressing regret over his actions. An investigation by Banijay UK, the production company behind the show, substantiated 45 out of 83 allegations against him.
In an interview with The Sun, Wallace acknowledged that he had made comments that offended others, saying, “I know I have said things that offended people… I understand that now – and to anyone I have hurt, I am so sorry.” He added, “I don’t expect anyone to have any sympathy with me, but I don’t think I am a wrong ‘un.”
The investigation also upheld an allegation against MasterChef co-host John Torode, who was accused of using an “extremely offensive racist term.” Torode, who claimed he had “absolutely no recollection” of the incident, has not had his contract renewed. Wallace defended Torode, stating, “I’ve known John for 30 years and he is not a racist. There is no way that man is a racist. No way. And my sympathies go out to John because I don’t want anybody to go through what I’ve been through.”
During the interview, Wallace became emotional as he reflected on the impact of the investigation on his family. He expressed distress at being compared to notorious figures like Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards, saying, “That is just so, so horrific.” Regarding the specific allegation of unwanted touching, Wallace denied groping a woman, asserting that he believed the contact was consensual, as she had given him her phone number. “It was 15 years ago. Me, drunk, at a party, with my hand on a girl’s bum,” he explained.
Wallace also admitted to having briefly appeared with a sock covering his private parts in front of colleagues at the MasterChef studio, but insisted he is not a flasher, noting that people were either “amused or bemused” by the incident.
As the situation unfolds, Wallace’s future in the industry remains uncertain, but he continues to express remorse for his past actions while defending his character and that of his former co-host.
**FAQ**
*What were the allegations against Gregg Wallace?*
Gregg Wallace faced multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior, with an investigation substantiating 45 out of 83 claims, including unwanted touching and offensive comments.
