Former MasterChef Judge Gregg Wallace Spotted for First Time in Months Following Sexual Misconduct Investigation
Gregg Wallace, the former MasterChef judge, has been seen in public for the first time in several months after stepping away from the show amid a sexual misconduct investigation.
The 60-year-old television personality, who co-hosted the popular BBC cooking competition alongside John Torode,
resigned from his role in November following allegations of inappropriate behavior on set.
Wallace has denied any wrongdoing, with his legal representatives strongly rejecting claims that he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior, jokes, or remarks towards colleagues.
His lawyers reiterated that the allegations were “entirely false.”
On Thursday, Wallace was spotted running errands near his home in Kent.
In photos obtained by Mail Online, the former television host appeared somber as he sat behind the wheel of his car, partially covering his face with his hand. This marked his first public sighting since November 28, when he retreated from the public eye following his departure from MasterChef and the ensuing media scrutiny.
Shortly after stepping away from the show, Wallace addressed his followers on Instagram, announcing that he would be taking a break from social media. In his post, he expressed gratitude to those who had reached out in support, stating, “I would like to thank all the people for getting in touch, reaching out, and sharing their support. That’s good of you. Thank you very much.”
Wallace emphasized that he was prioritizing his mental health and well-being amid the controversy. However, earlier this month, he made a quiet return to Instagram, posting a cryptic message about self-reflection. Sharing an image of a scenic sky view, he wrote, “Sunday can be a time for reflection. Perhaps make ourselves a promise for next week.”
The controversy surrounding Wallace erupted when multiple women came forward with complaints regarding his alleged behavior during the production of his television shows. Following these accusations, the BBC launched an investigation, and production company Banijay UK confirmed that Wallace had agreed to fully cooperate with the external review process.
A statement from Banijay UK read: “This week, the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.”
The company reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for its employees, stating, “While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority, and our expectations regarding behavior are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.”
The statement further clarified that, while these allegations were historical, the production company took all reports of inappropriate behavior seriously and would thoroughly investigate any incidents that did not align with their standards.
The BBC also issued a statement on the matter, affirming its stance on workplace misconduct. “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behavior which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated,” a spokesperson said. The broadcaster also confirmed that, where an individual is employed by an external production company, any complaints or concerns would be shared with the company, and the BBC would support any necessary actions to address them.
Since stepping down from MasterChef, Wallace has largely remained out of the public eye, avoiding media appearances and maintaining a low profile. His recent sighting suggests he is slowly returning to his routine, though he has yet to make any further public statements regarding the allegations.
Wallace’s departure from MasterChef marked the end of an era, as he had been a staple on the show since its revival in 2005. His on-screen partnership with John Torode played a significant role in the program’s success, making his abrupt exit all the more notable. While the BBC has not announced any permanent replacements for Wallace, MasterChef continues with Torode at the helm.
The investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct is ongoing, and further developments may emerge in the coming months. For now, he remains out of the spotlight, with his future in television uncertain.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
