Downing Street has labelled the accusations against as “deeply concerning” after the presenter temporarily stepped down from his role amidst a series of allegations regarding inappropriate sexual comments.
Wallace, 60, has refuted the claims made against him. A spokesperson for Number 10 remarked: “The allegations made are deeply concerning regarding today’s reporting.
“It’s right that a thorough investigation is conducted, but this of course is one for the and you will have seen their statement saying that they ‘take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place’.
“While that process is underway it wouldn’t be right for me to comment. I believe the is currently undertaking a workplace culture review to deliver clear and timely recommendations, and it’s essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the takes these issues seriously.”
Several complaints have been lodged against the television host by individuals who allege past work encounters with him. Kirsty Wark, a former Newsnight presenter, is among 13 people who have levelled accusations of inappropriate sexual remarks at the MasterChef host, reports .
10 Downing Street has weighed in on the ‘deeply concerning’ allegations (Image: Getty)
Banijay UK, the production company behind the scenes, is conducting an external review into past misconduct allegations. They have confirmed that Gregg Wallace, aged 60, will be “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process” A statement released yesterday disclosed: “This week the received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.”
The statement continued, “Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.”
Banijay UK emphasised their commitment to staff welfare, stating, “Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
Gregg Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef pending investigation (Image: BBC / Shine TV)
A spokesperson for the remarked: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the will not be tolerated. Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
Wallace’s legal team has firmly stated, as reported by News, “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”. However, several high-profile figures have voiced their disapproval of Wallace, including Sir Rod Stewart, Charlotte Crosby, and Ulrika Jonsson.
Gregg Wallace is facing a number of allegations (Image: BBC)
The iconic musician Sir Rod shared his disdain with his 1.4 million followers, stating: “Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya. Sir Rod Stewart.”
Charlotte Crosby, following the controversy, succinctly expressed to her fans: “He was extremely unpleasant to me when I was on MasterChef.”
The reality TV star from Geordie Shore participated in the cooking competition this summer.