Gregg Wallace has been dropped from his role as an ambassador for the charity Ambitious About Autism following a series of complaints against the TV presenter. The complaints involve accusations of making ‘lesbian jokes’ and other ‘highly inappropriate’ comments towards women he worked with. This development comes after Wallace announced he would be stepping away from hosting the popular BBC cooking show MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are under external review by the show’s production company, Banijay UK.
One woman, identified as Anna, who worked with Wallace on Big Weekends in 2019, claimed that Wallace made remarks about her dating life and discussed topics like sex, domination, and spanking, which she found highly inappropriate. Another woman named Amanda alleged that Wallace showed her photos of a woman in her underwear and later took off his top in front of her and a male colleague, making her uncomfortable. These are just a few examples of the allegations levelled against Wallace by multiple women who have worked with him on various TV shows over the years.
The BBC reported that a total of 13 people, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, have raised allegations against Wallace spanning a 17-year period. Wallace’s lawyers have refuted the claims, stating that he does not engage in sexually harassing behaviour. Several public figures have also come forward to recount their experiences with Wallace, with actress Katy Brand and singer Sir Rod Stewart sharing their encounters with the TV presenter.
The response to the allegations has been swift, with Downing Street expressing deep concern and emphasising the need for a thorough investigation. Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, stated that they are conducting an external review of the allegations and that Wallace will be stepping away from his hosting duties during this process. The BBC and Channel 5 have also acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints and affirmed their commitment to addressing them appropriately.
In light of the recent allegations, Ambitious About Autism has made the decision to sever ties with Wallace, ending his role as an ambassador for the charity. Wallace, who has children from a previous relationship and an autistic son with his current wife, has been a familiar face on British TV screens for years, co-presenting MasterChef and its spin-offs. The presenter was awarded an MBE for his contributions to food and charity in 2022.
As more details emerge and additional voices speak out, the future of Gregg Wallace’s career in television remains uncertain. The industry is grappling with questions of accountability, professionalism, and workplace conduct, sparking a larger conversation about the standards expected of public figures in positions of influence. The impact of these allegations extends beyond one individual, highlighting broader issues around respect, consent, and power dynamics in the entertainment industry.