John Torode says allegation he used racist language upheld

MasterChef presenter John Torode has said he was subject to an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of an investigation into the conduct of his co-host Gregg Wallace.

 

The report, commissioned by production company Banijay and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated.

 

It also found two substantiated complaints against other individuals, which have been referred to Banijay.

 

In an Instagram post, Torode confirmed he was one of the individuals and was alleged to have used racial language but said he had “no recollection of the incident”.

 

Torode said in a statement: “Following publication of the executive summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.

 

“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.

 

“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.

 

“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegations as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”

 

Torode trained as a chef in Australia and previously ran London restaurants Smiths of Smithfield and Luxe.

 

Monday’s report found the majority of substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, while a small number related to being in a state of undress.

 

One allegation of unwanted physical contact was also substantiated.

 

Wallace said he “never set out to harm or humiliate” and was “deeply sorry for any distress” his behaviour caused.

 

He stepped back from hosting MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals last year following the allegations.

 

Banijay said the findings of the report made his return to the programme “untenable”.

 

The BBC apologised to “everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour” and said it had no plans to work with him in future.

 

It has yet to make a decision on whether the new series of MasterChef, which features Wallace and was filmed last year, will be broadcast.

 

Restaurant critic Grace Dent replaced Wallace for the latest series of Celebrity MasterChef and is rumoured to be taking over the main MasterChef presenting dutires.