The BBC has issued a statement following the release of Banijay UK’s report into Gregg Wallace’s conduct on MasterChef, stating that there is “no place for abuse of power”

The BBC has broken its silence on Banijay’s investigation into Gregg Wallace’s conduct(Image: BBC/Glenn Dearing)

The BBC has broken its silence following the release of Banijay’s report into Gregg Wallace’s behaviour on the set of MasterChef. The 60-year-old TV presenter was sacked from the BBC show last week after 50 more people came forward to make allegations of misconduct, which he strongly denies.

Now, Banijay – which produces MasterChef – has released a report into Gregg’s behaviour on the show, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin. The company’s investigation substantiated 45 of the allegations made against the presenter, the majority of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. Meanwhile, a small number of allegations relating to Gregg being in a state of undress and one claim of unwanted physical contact were also substantiated.

The BBC has stated that there is “no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC”.(Image: BBC)

The BBC said in a statement that it has informed the TV presenter that the broadcaster has “no plans to work with him in the future” and welcomes the publication of the investigation’s findings.

“The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us,” the BBC said.

“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.

“We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.”

The BBC added: “Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.

“The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.”

The company went on to state that a final decision had not yet been reached over whether to broadcast the upcoming series of MasterChef featuring Gregg Wallace.

“At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year,” the BBC said. “We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.

“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.

“We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”

Last week, Gregg Wallace addressed the upcoming report in an Instagram post, stating that he “will not go quietly” after being axed from MasterChef.

He stated: “I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.”

Gregg went on to accuse the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories”. He said: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018.

“I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”