Write-up:
Gregg Wallace has come to the defense of his former MasterChef co-star John Torode after both were sacked by the BBC following a damning investigation into alleged workplace misconduct on the popular cooking show.
The BBC recently concluded an internal review which upheld an allegation involving “an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace.” While Torode, 60, later confirmed he was the individual referenced, he has denied ever using racist language, claiming he has “no recollection” of saying anything offensive.
Speaking to The Sun, Gregg Wallace passionately defended his longtime friend, saying:
“I’ll tell you one thing right now: John Torode is not a racist. I’ve known John for 30 years. And as evidence, I’ll show you the incredible diversity of the people he’s supported and championed on MasterChef over the years. There is no way that man is a racist. No way.”
Gregg added that his “sympathies go out to John” and described the emotional toll the situation has had on both of them.
Gregg himself was also terminated by the BBC after 45 out of 83 allegations against him were substantiated, including inappropriate sexual language, humour, and one case of “unwelcome physical contact.” While Wallace acknowledged some past mistakes, he insisted the extent of the accusations had been “perceived incorrectly.”
“I’m not saying I’m not guilty of stuff,” he admitted. “But so much has been twisted or misunderstood—things that really hurt me and my family.”
With both men now cut off from the show that made them household names, MasterChef faces a period of reckoning as it seeks to rebuild its image in the wake of the controversy.
