MasterChef star Gregg Wallace accused of making ‘lesbian jokes’ as new claims emerge amid investigation
MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has been accused of making 'lesbian jokes' and 'highly inappropriate' comments in the latest of a string of complaints made against him by people who claim they previously worked with him.
The latest accusations, as reported by BBC News, follow yesterday's announcement (28 November) that Wallace will step away from hosting MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by the show’s production company, Banijay UK, who has since issued a statement on the matter.
A woman who worked on Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends in 2019, which aired on Channel 5 told the outlet he was 'fascinated' that she dated women and asked her the 'logistics' of how it worked.
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She also said he reportedly talked about sex, domination and spanking, which she said was 'highly inappropriate',
Another woman who worked on the show said Wallace allegedly showed her photos of a woman in her underwear while they were travelling in a car together.
She also recalled that he allegedly started showing her and another male colleague his outfits for the next day in his hotel room in Italy after they had finished filming, and that he took off his top and said 'let me give you a fashion show'.
Her colleague then left the room and she told BBC News: "It’s weird to be alone in a room with a topless stranger."
Another woman reportedly worked with the TV presenter on BBC’s Eat Well For Less TV show in 2019 and recalled him making comments on how his wife was only two years older than her.
She also told the outlet that after he went to his car to sort his parking ticket, he allegedly replied: "You can come to my car, but can you handle the fact everyone will think you just got off with a celebrity?"
Her colleague also recalled Wallace allegedly leaving a bathroom topless in front of them during a shoot and asking them to take his coffee order.
She told BBC News that his 'behaviour isn’t acceptable', adding: "To not only continue to put women in these scenarios but to continue publicly platforming him is a disgrace to our industry standards."
On Thursday, the BBC confirmed that 13 individuals, including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, have made allegations against Wallace.
The 13 people in question had worked with Wallace on a range of different TV shows spanning a 17-year period.
Wark appeared on MasterChef in 2011 and alleged to the BBC that Wallace had made 'sexualised' jokes during filming, which she said were 'really, really in the wrong place.'
Wallace's lawyers have stated to the BBC that the allegations are completely false.
He's has since taken to social media, thanking those that have reached out to 'show their support'.
Taking to Instagram last night (28 November), the presenter said: "I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support.
"That's good of you. Thank you very much."
Tyla has reached out to Gregg Wallace's representatives for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film, BBC, UK News, Food and Drink
Rhiannon Ingle