When a high-profile personality like Gregg Wallace lands in hot water, it’s not unusual for public reaction to be swift—but this time, it’s gone much deeper.
Wallace, the former MasterChef star, is being called out by multiple disability and neurodiversity organizations after attempting to explain away serious misconduct allegations by citing his autism diagnosis.
Charities Say Autism Is Not a “Free Pass” for Misconduct
Wallace, who is now 60, has been accused of using his recent autism diagnosis as an excuse for behavior that included reportedly exposing himself while not wearing underwear.
His supporters argued that his condition causes sensory issues—specifically a sensitivity to tight clothing and labels—which supposedly makes wearing underwear difficult.
They also claimed he struggles with “filters and boundaries” due to his autism.
But charities and neurodivergent advocates were quick to shut that narrative down.
One told the BBC that using autism in this way “stigmatizes” autistic people and paints an unfair picture of the entire community.
“Being autistic is never an excuse for misconduct,” said Emily Banks, founder of Enna, an organization that supports neurodivergent workers.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t tell the difference between right and wrong.”
Wallace Under Fire After Being Dropped by MasterChef
Wallace was dropped from the MasterChef franchise following a nine-month investigation into his conduct.
Reports say that over 50 new allegations have since surfaced, including claims of groping, inappropriate touching, and sexual remarks—most of which came from young female freelancers working on the show.
Despite the mounting accusations, Wallace continues to deny any wrongdoing.
In a statement posted to social media, he dismissed the “most serious and sensational” claims, insisting he had been cleared of the worst offenses.
He even accused the BBC of running with “uncorroborated tittle-tattle” in an attempt to sway public opinion before the official report is released.
Wallace Says the BBC Failed to Support His Autism Diagnosis
In his defense, Wallace has leaned heavily on his diagnosis, claiming that the BBC never made an effort to investigate his autism despite it being an open topic among MasterChef colleagues for years.
“I now realise I worked in a dangerous environment for over 20 years without support,” he said, framing himself as someone let down by a major corporation.
But critics say that blaming misconduct on autism does more harm than good.
Seema Flower, founder of disability consultancy Blind Ambition, told the BBC: “There’s no excuse for inappropriate behaviour in society, full stop.”
She went on to challenge the idea that neurodiversity justifies crossing boundaries: “It sets a worrying precedent.”
Fellow Autistic Advocates Say Wallace’s Excuse Is Damaging
Even those within the neurodivergent community have criticized Wallace’s justification.
Dan Harris, founder of Neurodiversity in Business and himself autistic, said: “Sure, we may miss social cues sometimes.
But that’s not a license to behave badly.” Online, many autistic individuals called Wallace “diabolically shameless,” slamming him for what they see as gaslighting and deflection.
Survivor Advocate: Wallace Must Take Accountability
Duncan Craig OBE, CEO of a charity supporting survivors of sexual harm, also weighed in, expressing deep concern.
“Gregg Wallace is clearly not ready to take accountability. Blaming autism is unacceptable,” he said.
“As a survivor myself, I know how upsetting this gaslighting will be for others.
I stand with every survivor angered by this.”
Wallace Plans to Sue BBC for Discrimination
Despite the growing criticism, Wallace appears ready to fight back.
According to a friend quoted by The Times, he’s planning legal action against both the BBC and production company Banijay, accusing them of discrimination and mishandling his autism.
“He’s going to take them to the cleaners,” the source claimed.
“Gregg is guilty of bad jokes and rough humour—but people on the show have long suspected his autism.”
BBC Maintains Neutrality Ahead of Official Report
The BBC has insisted that its News division operates independently and has had no access to the investigative report, which was carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin on behalf of Banijay UK.
A spokesperson said the network will not comment until the investigation concludes.
Wallace’s Team Says He’s Cooperating Fully
Meanwhile, Wallace’s representatives told the BBC that he’s continuing to cooperate fully with the ongoing review.
They reiterated that he “denies engaging in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
As the final findings are expected to be released soon, all eyes will be on how both the BBC and the public respond—and whether Wallace’s use of autism as a defense will ultimately help or further damage his reputation.