Former Masterchef host Gregg Wallace is reportedly set to take legal action against the BBC and MasterChef’s producers after being fired amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour – which he denies
Gregg Wallace is reportedly preparing legal action against the BBC and MasterChef producers, accusing them of discrimination related to his recently diagnosed autism following his dismissal from the show.
Despite an internal report likely finding him responsible for inappropriate conduct over several years, Wallace denies the more severe claims of groping, insisting his remarks were merely “banter” and that his autism caused him to misunderstand social cues. In a lengthy statement shared online, the star said he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational accusations”.
A source explained to The Telegraph: “Gregg is guilty of bad jokes and rough humour. But so many people on the show talked openly about suspecting that he had autism for years before he got his diagnosis.”
The source added: “To sack him now when they were well aware of his condition is outrageous. He’s going to take them to the cleaners.”
Meanwhile, a source told The Mirror earlier this week that Gregg had “employed a lawyer and he’s going for blood” after being fired from the show.
In a social media statement, Wallace described the MasterChef environment as “dangerous” for him and condemned both the BBC and production company Banijay for not offering sufficient support considering his condition.
It comes as former MasterChef host Wallace is facing fresh misconduct claims from 50 more people, with the presenter denying all allegations. The presenter was sacked from his role in MasterChef following a probe into alleged misconduct.
Now, 50 people have approached the BBC with fresh claims about Wallace, BBC News has reported. Wallace has strongly denied all claims. The new claims are said to have come from people who encountered Wallace on a range of shows and settings. Eleven women have accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, while the majority claimed he made inappropriate sexual comments.
Gregg stepped down from the show after denying the allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying Gregg engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Gregg insisted via his legal team: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
The Mirror has reached out to a BBC spokesperson for comment on this story.
Source: Mirror
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