Gregg Wallace Faces Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior
TV personality Kirstie Allsopp has spoken out againstTV presenter Gregg Wallace, alleging he made an inappropriate comment about his sex life several years ago.
Allsopp, 53, recalled the incident during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s The World This Weekend. She detailed being in a performers’ lounge while filming a pilot for a TV quiz show alongside Wallace and his partner. Allsopp said, “I’d been chatting to her, she left the room, and he [Wallace] made a reference to something they did in bed.”
“You know that feeling when you’re so embarrassed that you think you might cry? You just feel kind of internally scarlet. I had that feeling and I always remembered it,” Allsopp shared.
Multiple Allegations Surface Against Wallace
These allegations from Allsopp come amidst a growing number of claims against the 60-year-old MasterChef presenter. Wallace, known for his exuberance on the popular cooking show, is facing accusations of making inappropriate sexual jokes, asking for phone numbers from female production staff, and undressing in front of women working on his shows.
Allsopp expressed particular anger at a recent video Wallace posted on Instagram. In the video, he dismissed the complaints against him, claiming they were coming from a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”
“That is unacceptable. Because he is essentially saying this is a class issue and middle-class women don’t understand the type of things he says because he’s working-class,” Allsopp stated. “Well, I’m sorry, but he’s doing an incredible disservice to men. What’s he saying? That working-class men do this kind of thing, embarrass their wives and girlfriends and sisters and mothers? That’s unacceptable, of course that’s not the case.”
The Location, Location, Location presenter emphasized that, while she understands banter, there’s a clear line between robust chat and the type of comment Wallace directed towards her. She also regrets not confronting him directly at the time.
Wallace Steps Back While Claims are Investigated
Following these allegations, Wallace announced he would be stepping away from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by MasterChef producer Banijay UK.
According to reports from BBC News, Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 individuals across a range of shows spanning a 17-year period. The letter confirming these allegations was sent to the TV star’s representatives earlier this week.
Wallace has denied the accusations through his lawyers, stating, “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.” His representatives have also been contacted for comment.
What are the potential career consequences for Gregg Wallace in light of these allegations?
## Gregg Wallace Faces Growing Backlash as More Accusations Surface
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Guest Name], a media analyst and commentator, to discuss the troubling allegations against celebrated TV personality Gregg Wallace. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** As our viewers know, Masterchef host Gregg Wallace is facing a storm of accusations regarding his behavior on set, ranging from inappropriate comments to unwelcome advances towards female colleagues. Kirstie Allsopp recently shared a personal account of an embarrassing encounter with Wallace, sparking further conversation about his conduct. How do you see these allegations impacting Wallace’s career and public image? [[1](https://people.com/uk-masterchef-host-gregg-wallace-step-down-misconduct-allegations-8753202)]
**Guest:** It’s undoubtedly damaging. Wallace has cultivated a persona of affability and good humor, and these allegations directly contradict that image. The sheer number of accusations, along with the detailed accounts from individuals like Kirstie Allsopp, makes it difficult for Wallace to brush these claims aside.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, the BBC has taken action, with Wallace stepping down from his Masterchef role. Do you believe this to be sufficient, or should there be further consequences for Wallace’s alleged actions?
**Guest:** While stepping down is a significant step, it remains to be seen if it’s enough. A thorough and independent investigation is crucial to determine the veracity of these accusations and any potential legal ramifications. It’s also important for broadcasters and production companies to review their safeguarding procedures and ensure that all individuals on set feel safe and respected.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights on this developing story. It remains to be seen how this will unfold, but one thing is clear: the conversation around workplace harassment and accountability is crucial and long overdue.
**Guest:** Absolutely, and I hope this situation serves as a catalyst for broader changes within the industry.
