BBC bosses have defied MPs by featuring Gregg Wallace on MasterChef tonight and refusing to offer Christmas specials.
The host has apologized for making crude comments about women who complained about his behavior – as six new “victims” emerged.
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BBC bosses defied MPs by featuring Gregg Wallace on MasterChef last night Credit: BBC
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Wallace and partner John Torode grin in Christmas jumpers in promotional images for the semi-final of MasterChef: The ProfessionalsCredit: BBC
It has justified tonight’s MasterChef: The Professionals semi-final airing on BBC One because it “changed lives” for the contestants.
But critics say that doesn’t apply to the festive celebrity specials – with Wallace, 60, grinning in Christmas jumpers in promotional pictures.
As the BBC grapples with yet another scandal, a former minister has called for “big change” – as it emerged the culture minister spoke to the corporation about workplace culture.
Number 10 also criticized Wallace for his “misogynistic” comments.
READ MORE ABOUT GREG WALLACE
It comes after the former MasterChef staffer — who worked on the show from 2007 to 2010 — told The Sun she knew of at least six production members who had raised concerns about Wallace’s behaviour.
They said: “I heard from five female colleagues that they had issues with Gregg, including his comments which were not appropriate for the workplace. There was also a male employee who raised an issue about the language Gregg used when speaking to him.
“It seems nothing was ever done to properly address it.
“It was like the worst-kept secret in the TV industry.”
Wallace last week stepped down from the show, which he has hosted since 2005, after a number of complaints surfaced, including allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexualised comments.
Gregg Wallace apologizes for talking about ‘middle class women’ and says he will ‘take his time’ during investigation into ‘sexual comments’
He has since faced a backlash, with sources close to him saying he is upset that co-host John Torode, 59, did not publicly support him.
Wallace unfollowed Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram in a public show of anger.
The source said: “Gregg is convinced he has done nothing wrong – and is very angry that John has kept quiet. They have been colleagues for almost two decades and, although they are not the closest of friends, Gregg feels he could say something.”
Broadcasting could be a trigger for the women involved
Labor MP Rupa Huq
Wallace, under investigation by MasterChef producers Banijay UK, is due to appear on the BBC several times this Christmas.
Last night he was seen hosting the pre-taped semi-final tournament “Professionals” alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. When it started, he said, “This is a culinary battle.”
There are more episodes tonight and Thursday before the three final shows next week.
Two episodes of MasterChef’s Christmas cooking will air next week, featuring a host of stars.
Labor MP Rupa Huq — who sits on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee — yesterday led calls for the BBC to pull all episodes from the schedule.
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Wallace and Marcus Wareing in MasterChef: The Professionals Credit: BBC
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Wallace apologized yesterday for making crude comments about women who complained about his behaviour. Credit: Instagram
She said: “There is an argument for a pause while this investigation runs its course, and perhaps no broadcast. It could be a huge trigger for the women involved – in fact, for any woman involved in any kind of incident like this.”
It is clear that a major culture change is needed
Former culture minister Nicky Morgan
Former Tory culture minister Damian Collins told The Sun yesterday: “It is worrying that this is yet another example of complaints against a high-profile star that have not been properly investigated by the BBC. I do not believe he should appear on the BBC until this is investigated and a decision is made on what to do next.”
Former culture secretary Nicky Morgan added: “It’s just the latest test for the whole BBC system. The lack of curiosity and follow-up on complaints is depressing and unsurprising and clearly a major culture change is needed.”
Number 10 also criticized Wallace for his controversial comments on Sunday, when he said all the complaints came from “middle-class women of a certain age”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said yesterday: “The Culture Secretary spoke to BBC management late last week about this issue and wider issues of workplace culture to seek assurances that robust processes are in place to deal with complaints. Clearly, the comments we saw from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic.
“More broadly, the BBC is carrying out an independent assessment of workplace culture which must make clear and timely recommendations. It is essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC is taking these matters seriously.”
Broadcasters’ union Bectu said the BBC’s handling of complaints against Wallace was “deeply concerning”.
He faces allegations from 13 people over a string of shows over a 17-year period – with others coming forward since the scandal broke last Thursday.
He is accused of taking off his top in front of a worker and telling another colleague that he is not wearing boxers under his jeans.
Wallace denied any conduct of a sexually harassing nature.
Bectu boss Philippa Childs said: “Reports that the BBC had previously investigated complaints about Wallace internally and concluded that aspects of his behavior were unacceptable are deeply concerning.
“Is it any wonder that film and TV freelancers, many of them worried about their next job, are thinking twice about sticking their heads over the parapet?”
TV presenter Aggie MacKenzie, 69, said yesterday that Wallace’s jokes were “always dirty, they were endless” when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
She added: “It was like Gregg was some kind of dinosaur who just couldn’t read the room, and he seemed to be allowed to carry on like this. He has no insight or understanding of how he behaves.”
The BBC confirmed last night that all recorded episodes of MasterChef, including the Christmas shows, will be shown.
A spokesperson said: “MasterChef changes the lives of the chefs who take part and the show is about more than one individual.”
The Beeb added: “We take any issues that come our way seriously and have robust processes in place to deal with them.”
Banijay UK said: “MasterChef’s welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols in place to support both cast and contributors.”
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Wallace appeared in 8 shows in 16 days
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Wallace unfollowed Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram in a public show of irritationCredit: Getty
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Labor MP Rupa Huq – who sits on the culture, media and sport committee – yesterday led calls for the BBC to pull all episodes from its schedule Credit: Alamy
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Former culture secretary Nicky Morgan said: ‘It’s just the latest test for the whole BBC system. Clearly, a major culture change is needed’Credit: Getty
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