Gregg Wallace steps aside from MasterChef whilst allegations are investigated (Image: PA)
A legal expert has slammed the following response to the allegations he faces of sexual misconduct.
Last week, the 60-year-old presenter left after 19 years on the show following allegations of “sexualised” behaviour while filming several shows.
It has been claimed that the flagship channel knew of some accusations since 2012 – 12 years before they came to light in a recent exposé. Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants claimed they made the channel aware of their concerns back in 2012.
Wallace, meanwhile, denies all allegations, which his lawyers stating it is “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Over the weekend, the dad-of-two added in an video: “I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.
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The broadcaster faces accusations of sexual misconduct (Image: BBC)
“In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendos? Can you imagine?”
The does not actually produce MasterChef, instead leaving it to independent production company Banijay.
Now, legal expert Thomas Beale, Head of the Bullying & Harassment Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, believes the company has a lot to answer for following the broadcaster’s removal.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he argued: “Wallaces comments about women of a ‘certain age’ are revealing and really point to the heart of the problem – how out-dated misogynistic attitudes are still allowed to run rife in so many workplaces.
“The age or gender of the complaints should not make any difference – what should matter is that workplaces should have an absolute zero tolerance attitude to inappropriate behaviour.
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A legal expert believes the BBC should have done more to prevent this (Image: BBC)
“Wallace is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour dating back to at least 2012 which really shines a light on a lack of proper processes at the to deal with this unacceptable behaviour.”
Following Gregg’s latest video, a spokesperson has reassured viewers that the company is taking the issue very “seriously”.
They added: “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 externa; production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on anything that could form part of Banijay’s ongoing investigation or otherwise influence it.” Express.co.uk has contacted the for a comment.