Gregg Wallace, the well-known TV presenter of MasterChef, has found himself at the center of a storm of allegations.
One of the most notable accusations comes from celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine, who claims Wallace told her and fellow chef Sophie Michell they could never make it in the culinary world simply because they were women.
The argument between them reportedly became heated after Wallace made this remark, which Erskine described as deeply troubling.
Gizzi Erskine’s Experience
Erskine, who is the daughter of the late 2nd Baron Erskine of Rerrick, reflected on her experiences working with various men in the hospitality industry.
While she mentioned that most men she worked with had been “chivalrous,” she admitted to encountering “grimy” experiences with some celebrity chefs.
Without naming names, Erskine shared her frustration with the industry’s treatment of women.
She pointed out how she and Michell were belittled in their early careers, a sentiment she said still resonates with her today.
Allegations of Misconduct Against Wallace
In addition to Erskine’s claims, Wallace is facing a number of sexual harassment accusations from women who worked with him on various shows.
Alleged incidents include groping, making inappropriate comments, and other unsettling behaviors.
Wallace has denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations have led to significant fallout in his career.
He stepped down from his long-running role as the host of MasterChef after nearly 20 years while an investigation into the claims is underway.
Impact on Wallace’s Career
The consequences for Wallace have been swift and severe.
Following the allegations, the BBC and Banijay UK launched an inquiry into his behavior.
Wallace himself reportedly understands that his time on MasterChef is over, acknowledging privately that his position is untenable.
As a result, the BBC pulled two planned MasterChef Christmas specials featuring celebrities, and Channel 5 also removed Wallace’s holiday-themed shows from its schedule.
Allegations on Other Shows
The allegations against Wallace have not been limited to MasterChef.
Staff members working with him on Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends for Channel 5 raised concerns about his behavior, claiming that he often made inappropriate comments about sex and even showed explicit photos to a colleague.
Other accounts describe Wallace making crude remarks about women’s bodies and disregarding staff boundaries.
These incidents have raised serious questions about his conduct on set.
Reactions from Former Colleagues
Several high-profile figures have spoken out about Wallace’s behavior.
Melanie Sykes revealed that Wallace’s actions were a major factor in her decision to leave her TV career behind.
Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz also claimed Wallace had made lewd remarks about his wife while in a BBC lift.
These revelations add to the growing list of complaints about Wallace’s conduct.
Wallace’s Apology
In response to the backlash, Wallace took to Instagram to apologize for any offense he may have caused, admitting that he had been under extreme stress and was not in the right headspace when he made a controversial statement.
He also acknowledged that he needs to take time off while the investigation into the allegations continues.
However, his apology was met with further criticism, with Downing Street labeling his response as “inappropriate and misogynistic.”
The Road Ahead
As the investigation into Gregg Wallace’s alleged behavior continues, his career appears to be in jeopardy.
The ongoing scrutiny, alongside the growing number of accusations, has cast a shadow over his future in television.
For now, Wallace is facing a challenging period as both the public and his colleagues await further developments.