Andi Oliver says MasterChef host’s ‘antics’ were an ‘open secret’ and real change needs to be implemented
The outrage over the Gregg Wallace sexual misconduct allegations was “fake”, Andi Oliver, a TV chef, said.
Oliver, host of the BBC’s Great British Menu, claimed there are “tonnes of others who go around behaving badly” in the industry.
Last month it emerged that Wallace is to step away from MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by Banijay UK, the show’s producer.
Oliver told the Guardian she was “not surprised” by the allegations being made about Wallace, which include making “inappropriate sexual jokes” and sexual harassment.
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Wallace’s lawyers previously told the BBC “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
Oliver added: “There’s a certain culture that allows it to happen. Somebody should have nipped that s–t in the bud a long time ago. It’s not like nobody knew it was happening. I heard stuff. Everyone did. And there are tonnes of others who go around behaving badly.”
Oliver, who was first a judge and later became the host of Great British Menu, added: “But culture will only change if we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change.
“Thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter doesn’t interest me.
“What does is whether we remember this in six months, or will there be more fake shock and outrage when it happens all over again with the next person whose antics were an open secret?”
Gregg Wallace has stepped down from presenting MasterChef while sexual misconduct allegations are investigated Credit: Getty Images/David M. Benett
Oliver revealed people have been asking her if she is going to join the MasterChef team to which she replied: “I can’t talk about that.”
It was announced earlier this month that restaurant critic Grace Dent will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.
Author and podcaster Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.
BBC bosses previously said the corporation will not “tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect” and will continue to champion “a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful”.
A memo sent to staff by Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, and Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, said the corporation would be supporting MasterChef producer Banijay UK in its investigation.
Earlier this month, Banijay UK said in a statement: “It is important to note that MasterChef welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols to support both crew and contributors.
“These include multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. HR contact details are promoted and contributors are assigned a point of contact on set available to discuss any issues or concerns.”
