John Torode topic of racist language allegation in report

MasterChef presenter John Torode has stated he’s topic to an allegation of utilizing racist language, upheld as a part of an inquiry into separate allegations in opposition to co-host Gregg Wallace.

In an Instagram submit on Monday, Torode stated the allegation was that he made the remarks in 2018 or 2019 and that he had apologised instantly afterwards.

Nonetheless, the TV chef stated he had “no recollection” of any of it, including: “I don’t imagine that it occurred.”

It comes after an inquiry ordered by MasterChef’s manufacturing firm Banijay discovered that 45 allegations about Wallace’s behaviour on the programme had been upheld, for which he apologised.

Two standalone allegations made in opposition to different individuals had been additionally upheld, together with one for utilizing racist language.

In his assertion, Torode stated: “For the sake of transparency, I verify that I’m the person who’s alleged to have used racial language on one event.

He added that the allegation included that the “individual I used to be talking with didn’t imagine that it was meant in a malicious manner and that I apologised instantly afterwards”.

“I’ve completely no recollection of any of this, and I don’t imagine that it occurred,” he stated.

“Nonetheless, I wish to be clear that I’ve all the time had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any atmosphere. I am shocked and saddened by the allegation as I might by no means want to trigger anybody any offence.”

Reacting to separate allegations which had been upheld in opposition to him earlier on Monday, Wallace stated he was “deeply sorry for any misery” he had brought about.

In a press release to PA information company, he added that he “by no means got down to hurt or humiliate”.

In complete, the report highlighted 83 allegations made in opposition to the TV presenter, with the vast majority of the substantiated claims referring to inappropriate sexual language and humour, but additionally culturally insensitive or racist feedback.

Wallace’s assertion got here after he was sacked from the programme final week Tuesday.

On the identical day, he wrote a prolonged assertion by which he claimed to have been cleared of “essentially the most severe and sensational allegations” made in opposition to him.

He additionally accused BBC Information of “uncorroborated tittle tattle” in its reporting.

He stepped away from presenting MasterChef in November 2024 whereas the allegations had been being investigated.