BBC staff revolt: 12-year-old secrets about popular TV chef come to light
Internal conflict erupts at BBC over long-standing complaints about well-known cooking show host. Staff members question networks handling of multiple warnings dating back to early 2010s
BBC workers are up-in-arms about the networks handling of Gregg Wallace situation which started about 12 years ago. The cooking-show host faced multiple warnings yet stayed on-air until last week (when complaints from ex-contestants became public)
Staff members point to a troubling pattern: the network tries to manage risks instead of fixing problems which leads to big mess-ups. Emma Kennedy who won the show in 2012 shared that she saw inappropriate touching during a photo-shoot; while Aasmah Mir reported sexist remarks to BBC exec Kate Phillips back in 2017
The networks unscripted TV department which handles both Master-Chef and Strictly Come Dancing got several warnings about the situation: including a 2022 letter describing bad behavior and Nestleʼs complaint about weight-related jokes during Inside The Factory filming
Its entirely false that he engages in behavior of a sexually harassing nature
The Culture Media and Sport Committee is now looking into this case. Caroline Dinenage the Conservative chair says: MPs will ask tough questions about BBCs complaint process. Meanwhile Master-Chef episodes stay on i-player and two x-mas specials are still planned to air
The BBC claims they take issues seriously sharing complaints with Banijay (the shows production company) when needed. However insiders suggest the network couldve done more since they commission the show. The production company started their own investigation last week
