Gregg Wallace Misconduct Allegations “Truly Upsetting,” Says ‘MasterChef’ Co-Host John Torode

John Torode has described recent allegations of historical misconduct involving his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace as “truly upsetting” in his first statement since Wallace made headlines. 

Shared this afternoon on Instagram, Torode said in his statement that he hadn’t spoken publicly about the allegations until now because he had been “away filming MasterChef overseas.”

Torode’s statement added: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”

Torode continued to write that he would not speak any further about the matter as the official investigation into Wallace continued. You can read the full statement below.

Banijay UK, which owns MasterChef maker Shine, launched an external review into Wallace’s behavior last week after the BBC published an initial report of 13 people saying Wallace had made inappropriate sexual comments to them during their time on the popular cooking show.

The broadcaster Kirsty Wark was one of the first women to publicly accuse Wallace of inappropriate behavior. She told the BBC that Wallace made “sexualized jokes” towards her during filming of Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. The BBC’s report covers a period of 17 years. Fresh allegations were reported by the broadcaster this week, with one woman saying Wallace touched her bottom at an event and another saying he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show. On Tuesday, the BBC said it was pulling its MasterChef Christmas specials.

Wallace, a fixture on BBC TV screens for decades, has stepped away from MasterChef. In a letter to BBC News, his lawyers have denied he engaged in behavior of a “sexually harassing nature.” In a video posted on Instagram last Thursday evening, Wallace said: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support.”