Following a string of allegations regarding Gino D’Acampo’s alleged behaviour, TV staff have told how they fear repercussions after speaking out
TV staff who alleged inappropriate behaviour by Gino D’Acampo are scared they could lose their jobs.
This month an ITV News team reported dozens of former staff had made claims about working with the chef, 48, on ITV’s This Morning and Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip. Reporter Sejal Karia and senior producer Liz Little said more have now complained of alleged “aggressive and abusive” actions by the Italian.
Ms Karia said: “We have had more people come to us with alleged behaviour they say they witnessed and experienced, so the investigation and corroboration continues.” Ms Little added: “This is a very difficult story to tell. The people who contacted us previously and are contacting us now, are scared. They’re scared of putting their salaries at risk.”
Former staff branded D’Acampo’s behaviour over a 12-year period as “unacceptable, distressing and horrendous”. His shows Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South and Family Fortunes have been pulled by ITV. He “vehemently denies” the claims, branding them “deeply upsetting”.
Gino D’Acampo has been accused of inappropriate behaviour (
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LightRocket via Getty Images)
Senior producer Liz Little claims staff fear they could lose their jobs
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In a statement, Mr D’campo said: “I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago. I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.
” Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.
“I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of. I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”
Ms Karia and Ms Little said they were told he was spoken to and sent on a behavioural course – something he denies. They added one production firm is reviewing its time with him. The pair said they hope their findings can change the TV industry.
On the What You Need To Know podcast, Ms Karia referred to claims of bad behaviour against Gregg Wallace and Phillip Schofield, which they deny. She said: “It’s a time when the TV industry is examining itself and saying has it done enough in protecting junior members of staff?”
