What was supposed to be a celebration of over 20 years on MasterChef for John Torode has ended in controversy.
Instead of leaving on a high note, the popular TV chef finds himself at the center of a media firestorm following serious allegations that have ultimately cost him his role on the long-running cooking competition.
Allegations From the Past Resurface
According to several sources, the Australian-born chef was let go following claims that he used a racial slur—specifically, the N-word—during a night out with colleagues back in 2018.
The incident, which reportedly occurred after filming wrapped for an episode, has only recently come to light during a broader investigation into workplace conduct on the show.
One witness alleged that Torode immediately apologized and appeared “mortified,” claiming the term wasn’t used with malicious intent.
However, the BBC took the matter seriously and confirmed that an independent investigation substantiated the complaint.
The broadcaster chose not to renew Torode’s contract, emphasizing that the slur used was “extremely offensive.”
Torode Denies the Accusation
Despite the findings, the 59-year-old chef has stood firm in his defense.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Torode expressed shock and confusion over the accusation, stating he had “absolutely no recollection” of the incident.
He claimed he hadn’t been informed directly about his termination by the BBC or the production company Banijay, saying he found out through reports.
Public Figures Weigh In
The fallout has sparked widespread debate.
Presenter and writer Richard Osman, speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, confirmed he knew what slur was involved, calling it “probably the worst racial slur there is.”
He supported the investigation’s conclusion, noting that there was enough credible evidence to support the decision to let Torode go.
Osman also claimed that Torode had been offered a chance to stay on the show—if he agreed to take a year off and undergo training.
But, according to Osman, Torode refused, asserting he never said the word and had nothing to apologize for.
Behind the Scenes at MasterChef
Reports from inside MasterChef suggest that some staff were relieved by Torode’s departure.
A source told MailOnline that he was “horrible to work with at times,” while another described him as “rude and patronizing.”
These personality clashes, though previously unreported, add more context to why the production team might not have fought to keep him.
In total, Torode faced nine allegations relating to behavior spanning from 2012 to 2019.
The investigation found two of those could not be proven, while six lacked sufficient evidence.
Only the claim regarding the use of a racial slur was upheld.
Legal Battle Could Be Brewing
Now, there’s talk that Torode may be preparing to take legal action.
Sources close to the chef claim he’s consulting lawyers to explore a potential lawsuit for unfair dismissal, insisting the allegation is based solely on hearsay.
However, that path may be tricky. His contract, it turns out, was with Banijay rather than the BBC directly—possibly complicating any legal claim.
Will the Final Series Still Air?
Meanwhile, questions linger over the fate of the remaining MasterChef episodes already filmed.
The next season had been set to feature John Torode alongside restaurant critic Grace Dent, who stepped in following Gregg Wallace’s own departure over misconduct claims.
Although the shows are ready to go, the BBC has yet to confirm whether they’ll be broadcast.
According to The Sun, producers are waiting for the dust to settle before making a final decision.
Hundreds of people—contestants, crew members, and support staff—are caught in the middle, and scrapping the series could mean wasted efforts across the board.
BBC and Banijay Maintain Their Stance
The BBC has held firm, stating that they won’t tolerate racism in any form, even if the incident occurred outside a formal work setting.
According to the broadcaster, the language used by Torode was incompatible with the corporation’s values and expectations.
BBC director general Tim Davie remarked that while Banijay employs the show’s talent, the BBC expects serious action whenever those values are breached.
The Alleged Incident Tied to a Broader Investigation
Interestingly, Torode’s situation was revealed as part of a much larger inquiry originally centered on co-host Gregg Wallace, who faced numerous complaints.
Torode had not been publicly named in the original report but later acknowledged he was the subject of the racist language allegation mentioned within it.
Though no formal complaint was made in 2018 at the time of the incident, it was brought back to attention during the investigation into Wallace’s behavior.
That alone seems to have been enough for the BBC and Banijay to act decisively.
Torode Says Goodbye With Mixed Emotions
In his farewell message, Torode shared that he had cherished his time on the show since its 2005 relaunch.
Married to actress and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, the chef said he had hoped for a more dignified departure but accepted that “life is everchanging.”
He ended by saying it was time to “pass the cutlery to someone else.”
What Happens Next?
It’s still unclear whether John Torode’s legal challenge will move forward, or if the BBC will air the last seasons he filmed.
But one thing is certain: this story has dramatically shifted public conversation about accountability, memory, and justice in the entertainment industry.
Whether Torode finds a path back to television—or continues the fight to clear his name—remains to be seen.