Melanie Sykes has weighed in on the controversy surrounding celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo,
claiming that his alleged inappropriate behavior was overlooked because of his Italian background.
The former Let’s Do Lunch co-host, who worked alongside Gino on ITV between 2011 and 2014, addressed the allegations on her YouTube channel,
offering a candid critique of how the TV industry handles misconduct.
Gino, 48, has recently faced accusations of bullying and making sexually inappropriate comments by multiple individuals who worked with him over a 12-year period.
However, the chef has strongly denied all claims, insisting that he would “never do anything to upset or distress anyone.”
Melanie Calls Out Industry’s Handling of Gino’s Alleged Behavior
During her YouTube discussion, Melanie, 55, recalled past rumors that Gino had undergone etiquette training due to concerns about his behavior.
“Years ago, there were some rumblings about the presenter that everybody is talking about at the moment. It was said that he went to some kind of etiquette, media training because he’s Italian and the translation—he’s not quite getting it,” Melanie stated.
She dismissed this explanation as an “insult to Italians,” adding:
“It’s a stupid way of dealing with it. A very narrow-minded, dumb** way of responding to bad behavior from a human being in the workspace.”*
Power Dynamics in the TV Industry
Melanie also reflected on her own experiences in the television industry, describing it as a “war zone” where she constantly had to battle for respect.
She recounted an incident where Gino boasted about his ability to bypass traditional industry protocols.
“I remember once when Gino said to me that he could just go up to the powers that be, knock on the door, and go in. He didn’t need a meeting. He was quite pleased with himself that he could do that,” she revealed.
In contrast, Melanie explained that she had to follow a structured system, working through her agent to schedule meetings and advocate for herself. Her remarks suggest frustration with the industry’s tendency to grant certain individuals unchecked privileges while others, particularly women, are required to follow strict procedures.
Gino D’Acampo’s Career and Recent Allegations
Gino D’Acampo has been a familiar face on British television for years, rising to fame through shows such as This Morning and Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, where he starred alongside Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix.
However, the Italian chef is now under scrutiny following an investigation by ITN News, which uncovered allegations of inappropriate behavior spanning more than a decade.
Despite the claims made against him, Gino has firmly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, he said:
“I have never been made aware of these matters previously, and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognize the version of events being put to me.”
ITV Responds to the Allegations
In response to the controversy, ITV issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, while also noting that many of the complaints were not officially reported at the time.
“All of the concerns and complaints raised by those who have spoken to ITN describe behavior which is inappropriate and unacceptable. Most of them were not reported to ITV at the time. Where issues have been raised with ITV, action has been taken.”
The network did not elaborate on the specific actions taken but emphasized its commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment.
Melanie Sykes Takes Aim at the Entertainment Industry
Melanie has been increasingly vocal about the toxic culture within the entertainment industry. In previous statements, she has criticized TV networks for enabling and protecting individuals accused of misconduct. She argues that the industry fosters “monsters” by allowing inappropriate behavior to go unchecked.
Her latest comments on Gino’s alleged actions further highlight the broader issue of how misconduct is handled in television, particularly when high-profile personalities are involved.
What’s Next for Gino D’Acampo?
As the allegations continue to make headlines, it remains to be seen how Gino’s career will be affected. While he maintains his innocence, the scrutiny surrounding him is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Melanie’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing discussion about accountability in the television industry. Her criticisms suggest that she believes real change is needed to ensure that inappropriate behavior is no longer tolerated or excused—regardless of a person’s status or background.
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