MasterChef presenter John Torode has stated that he is the subject of an allegation regarding the use of racist language, an allegation that was upheld as part of an inquiry into separate claims against his co-host, Gregg Wallace.
In an Instagram post shared on Monday, Torode indicated that the alleged remarks were made in 2018 or 2019, and that he purportedly apologised immediately following the incident.
However, the television chef asserted that he has “no recollection” of the alleged incident, stating: “I do not believe that it happened.”
This development follows an inquiry commissioned by MasterChef’s production company, Banijay, which substantiated 45 allegations concerning Wallace’s behaviour on the programme. Wallace has since issued an apology.
The inquiry also upheld two standalone allegations against other individuals, including one pertaining to the use of racist language.
In his statement, Torode said: “For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion.”
He added that the allegation included that the “person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards”.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened,” he stated.
“However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
This statement comes as The Sun has reported that the BBC and Banijay had allegedly requested Torode’s resignation from MasterChef, suggesting he cite mental health concerns, a claim he reportedly refused.
On Monday evening, BBC insiders distanced themselves from this specific claim.
Addressing the separate allegations upheld against him earlier on Monday, Wallace expressed his “deepest apologies for any distress” he may have caused.
In a statement provided to PA news agency, he further stated that he “never set out to harm or humiliate”.
The report encompassed a total of 83 allegations made against the television presenter. The majority of the substantiated claims related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, as well as culturally insensitive or racist comments.
Wallace’s statement followed his dismissal from the programme last Tuesday.
On the same day, he issued a detailed statement asserting that he had been cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations” levelled against him.
He also accused BBC News of relying on “uncorroborated tittle tattle” in its reporting.
He had stepped down from his role as a presenter on MasterChef in November 2024, pending the investigation into the allegations.
The investigation has initiated widespread discussion regarding workplace behaviour, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighting the prevalence of “too many cultures of silence”.
On Monday, Nandy characterised the allegations against Wallace as “horrendous and appalling”.
“This case highlights a wider issue and much more must be done to ensure that everyone working in the creative industries is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” she added.
Human rights barrister Baroness Helena Kennedy, who chairs a newly established watchdog dedicated to improving standards of behaviour within the creative industries, cautioned that there had been “multiple missed opportunities” to address inappropriate behaviour.
A recent report concerning the BBC revealed that a small number of its prominent figures and managers “behave unacceptably” at work, and that senior management often fails to adequately address such conduct.