MasterChef producers have appointed a “rigorous” law firm to lead an investigation into the alleged misconduct of presenter Gregg Wallace.
It comes after a BBC News investigation heard allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour by 13 people who worked with Wallace across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
We put the claims to Wallace’s representatives on Tuesday.
On Thursday, MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK said Wallace would step away from presenting the show while allegations of historical misconduct were investigated.
The 60-year-old is “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”, Banijay added.
Wallace’s lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
On the appointment of London law firm Lewis Silkin, a Banijay UK spokesperson said it was a “highly experienced specialist investigations team which has overseen a broad range of high-profile workplace investigations”.
“Banijay UK has been impressed by the firm’s rigorous, in-depth, and impartial analysis and reporting,” they added.
“All information will be handled sensitively, and names of those providing evidence to the team will be kept confidential.”
Announcing its investigation on Thursday, Banijay UK said in a statement: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.”
In a video posted Instagram that evening, Wallace said: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support.
“It’s good of you – thank you very much.”
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