BBC Declares Gregg Wallace’s ‘MasterChef’ Hosting Role ‘Untenable’ Amidst Sexual Misconduct Allegations

LONDON (AP) — The BBC announced that it will no longer collaborate with “MasterChef” host Gregg Wallace. This decision follows a report confirming multiple misconduct allegations against him. Out of 83 allegations made during 2005-2018, 45 were upheld, predominantly relating to inappropriate sexual language and humor, with one case involving unwanted physical contact.

Wallace, who is 60, stepped away from hosting “MasterChef” last year while an investigation into these claims was conducted. The inquiry revealed a significant issue: many staff members were freelancers with no formal training or clear reporting procedures, which may have led to underreporting of inappropriate behavior.

The BBC has faced considerable backlash over its handling of these allegations, especially since Wallace continued to be featured in popular shows despite the complaints. In a statement, the broadcaster apologized and declared that Wallace’s return to “MasterChef” is no longer possible. They acknowledged that opportunities to address his behavior were missed.

In 2018, Wallace was warned after a complaint was made, and the internal investigation deemed his behavior “unacceptable and unprofessional.” Despite these findings, Wallace has denied any wrongdoing, suggesting that complaints came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”

Just last week, he expressed on Instagram, “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”

“MasterChef,” a flagship program for the BBC, has also inspired versions in other countries, such as “MasterChef Australia.” This situation highlights broader issues regarding workplace culture in the entertainment industry, where power dynamics often silence those who have concerns about misconduct. Reports indicate that organizations need better training and clearer guidelines to protect all staff members.

As we see in various sectors, addressing misconduct effectively helps create safer environments. More recent statistics show that 70% of employees who experienced harassment do not report it, often out of fear of retaliation or disbelief. It’s crucial for organizations, including broadcasting networks, to foster a culture of safety and accountability for all their talent and crew.

For more on workplace safety and the importance of addressing misconduct, you can check the Harvard Business Review.

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BBC, Public media, Television, General news, International News, Business, Sexual misconduct, Entertainment, World news