Gregg Wallace issues statement following ‘MasterChef’ allegations

Gregg Wallace has issued his first statement since more than a dozen women accused him of inappropriate sexual comments and behavior.

The MasterChef The host recorded a video on Instagram lashing out at his accusers, saying the allegations came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”

“I did that MasterChef for 20 years – amateur, professional and Celebrity Master Chef – and I believe in that time I have worked with over 4,000 participants of all ages, all different backgrounds and all walks of life,” Wallace said. “And apparently, I read in the newspaper now, there were 13 complaints during that time. Now I can see in the newspaper the complaints of a handful of middle-class women of a certain age Celebrity Master Chef. That is not right.”

The allegations were revealed in a BBC News investigation into 13 women, including ex-News evening Presenter Kirsty Wark, who stated that the 60-year-old television presenter had told stories and jokes of a “sexualized nature” at least twice in front of colleagues and participants.

Since then, people like Rod Stewart have also spoken out publicly against Wallace. Stewart said Wallace humiliated his wife, Penny Lancaster, when she performed MasterChef. Radio presenter Aasmah Mir also said she complained to the BBC several years ago about inappropriate comments Wallace allegedly made during filming. Others told the BBC that Wallace had spoken openly about his sex life over the years, taking off his top in front of a female worker and telling a younger colleague that he didn’t wear boxers under his jeans. In a letter to BBC News, Wallace’s lawyers denied that he had engaged in behavior of a “sexually harassing nature.”

Wallace ended his statement by saying, “Can you imagine how many women and contestants have been on television over 20 years?” MasterChefmade sexual comments or sexual innuendos – can you imagine that?”

Wallace resigned MasterChef Cameras will continue to roll on the BBC series while producer Banijay UK conducts an investigation.