TV presenter Gregg Wallace has claimed he has been cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations" against him ahead of a report examining the MasterChef host's alleged misconduct. The 60-year-old stepped away from hosting the BBC cooking competition after historical complaints came to light last year.
A BBC News investigation reported that 13 people alleged Wallace had made inappropriate sexual comments across a range of shows over a 17-year period. The allegations led to an external investigation by the show's production company, Banijay UK.
Wallace breaks silence ahead of report
In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday, Wallace said he had taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkin's report. "After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others," he said.
"I have now been cleared by the Silkins (sic) report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me," Wallace claimed. "The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation."
BBC accused of 'click-bait' journalism
Wallace accused the BBC of allowing BBC News to run with "uncorroborated tittle tattle" in an attempt to get ahead of the Silkin's summary report. "This feels to me like BBC News is chasing slanderous click-bait rather than delivering impartial journalism," he said.
The presenter acknowledged that some of his language had been inappropriate between 2005 and 2018. "I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation," he said. "But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks."
Autism diagnosis revealed in defence
Wallace revealed he has been formally diagnosed with autism, describing his neurodiversity as something that "was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef". He said he was hired as "the cheeky greengrocer" with "warmth, character, rough edges and all".
"I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience," Wallace declared. "I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established." The production firm previously said Wallace is "committed to fully co-operating" with the external review while his lawyers have previously strongly denied "he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", according to BBC News.
BBC declines to comment
A BBC spokesperson said Banijay UK had instructed law firm Lewis Silkin to run the investigation into allegations against Wallace. "We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published," they said.
Banijay UK declined to comment on Wallace's statement. The presenter claimed the full story of what he called "this incredible injustice" must be told and described it as "very much a matter of public interest".
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
