Gregg Wallace is under fire after dismissing allegations of historical misconduct, referring to his accusers as a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”
Two of his accusers have criticized his remarks, with one stating that they demonstrate he “clearly hasn’t learnt his lesson,” and another accusing him of wrongly framing himself as a victim of classism.
The controversy follows a BBC News investigation that uncovered allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and behavior spanning 17 years and five shows.
Thirteen individuals, including men and women of various ages, came forward with claims, prompting Wallace to step aside from MasterChef while Banijay UK investigates.
In an Instagram video to his 200,000 followers, the 60-year-old presenter said he had worked with over 4,000 contestants in 20 years and suggested the complaints represented a minor fraction.
He questioned the motives of his accusers, saying, “In the newspaper, I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age… This isn’t right.”
Reacting to the video, one accuser, Anna (a pseudonym), said the remarks were dismissive and failed to address the seriousness of the allegations.
Another accuser, James (also using a pseudonym), criticized Wallace’s attempt to deflect responsibility by playing “the victim of classism.”
Several public figures have also spoken out.
Actress Emma Kennedy, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, called his comments “ridiculous,” stating that age and class are irrelevant to inappropriate behavior.
TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp recounted a past encounter with Wallace that left her “embarrassed” and described his latest statements as “unacceptable.”
A BBC investigation previously deemed Wallace’s behavior “unacceptable and unprofessional” following a 2018 complaint about Impossible Celebrities.
Although he received a formal reprimand, further allegations emerged in subsequent years.
Banijay UK has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to conduct an independent investigation into the claims.
Critics argue that Wallace’s recent comments undermine the experiences of those who came forward.
One accuser suggested he use this time “to reflect and take accountability for how he abused his position of power instead of adding flames to the fire on social media.”
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