Gregg Wallace blasts ‘middle-class women of a certain age’ who complained about him

MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has launched a scathing attack on “middle-class women of a certain age” who have lodged complaints against him. The 60-year-old culinary expert has temporarily stepped back from his hosting duties on the popular show amidst allegations of inappropriate on-set behaviour. Wallace vehemently denied making any inappropriate sexual remarks and took to Instagram to address the accusations.

In his post, Wallace defended his 20-year tenure on MasterChef, highlighting his interactions with thousands of contestants from diverse backgrounds. He expressed his frustration at the handful of complaints, specifically pointing out a group of middle-class women from Celebrity Masterchef. The TV personality also shared supportive comments from past contestants, including lawyer Aman Ganger and contestant Lisa Addison, who praised his professionalism and character.

However, the Mirror reported multiple complaints against Wallace for alleged inappropriate comments during his time on the show. The situation escalated further when singer Sir Rod Stewart publicly criticised Wallace, calling him a “bully” and referencing an incident involving his wife, Penny Lancaster. Lancaster’s spokesperson confirmed her willingness to engage with authorities regarding the matter.

In response to the allegations, Wallace has committed to cooperating fully with the BBC’s external review process. The show’s production company, Banijay UK, asserted its dedication to addressing and investigating misconduct allegations. While Wallace steps away from his MasterChef role, both the BBC and Banijay UK emphasised their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all staff and contestants.

The BBC affirmed that it takes all complaints seriously and has robust processes in place to address such issues promptly. Wallace’s temporary departure from MasterChef aligns with the ongoing investigation into historical misconduct allegations. The BBC spokesperson reiterated the organisation’s zero-tolerance policy towards unacceptable behaviour and pledged support for external production companies in handling complaints.

In light of these developments, Wallace’s future on MasterChef remains uncertain pending the outcome of the investigation. The situation has sparked conversations about workplace conduct, accountability, and the importance of creating a safe environment for all individuals involved in television production.

Overall, the controversy surrounding Gregg Wallace underscores the significance of addressing misconduct allegations transparently and ensuring a supportive workplace culture within the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that media personalities and production companies have in upholding professional standards and fostering a respectful environment for all stakeholders.