Gregg Wallace, the former presenter of MasterChef, is initiating legal action against the BBC related to a data protection claim, according to documents filed in court.
The case has been formally lodged with the High Court, though specific details surrounding the claim have not yet been disclosed.
Wallace’s contract with the BBC was terminated in July following an internal report that substantiated over 40 allegations concerning his conduct on the MasterChef set.
A spokesperson for the BBC issued a statement saying, “We have not been formally notified of any legal proceedings; therefore, we are unable to provide comment at this time.”
Requests for comment have been directed to representatives for Mr. Wallace.
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Wallace, who hosted MasterChef for two decades, departed from his role on the program last year amidst a number of misconduct accusations.
Banijay, the production company behind the show, promptly launched an inquiry into the allegations, commissioning an independent law firm to conduct the investigation.
The report, released this summer, confirmed 45 claims against Wallace, including allegations of inappropriate physical contact and instances of being improperly dressed.
In all, the report documented 83 allegations made against the television personality. The majority of the substantiated claims involved inappropriate language and humor of a sexual nature, as well as culturally insensitive or racist remarks.
In response to the report, Wallace released a statement to the PA news agency, asserting that “none of the serious allegations against me were upheld.”
“I contested the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”
A separate allegation that John Torode, his co-host, used a highly offensive racial slur was also substantiated. Torode has stated that he has “no recollection” of the alleged incident.
Both presenters were subsequently dismissed. However, the BBC proceeded with the broadcast of this year’s amateur series of MasterChef, featuring both Wallace and Torode, in consideration of the participating chefs.
On Tuesday, Tim Davie, the BBC’s Director-General, defended the decision to air the series, noting that the “vast majority” of chefs involved expressed a desire for the show to be broadcast.
He added, “I think the consequences for the individuals who presented MasterChef have been very significant; they’re no longer working with the BBC, so there are those consequences.”
Speaking to Members of Parliament, Davie also affirmed his commitment to addressing any instances of abuse of power within the corporation.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Grace Dent, a food critic, and Anna Haugh, a chef, will be the new hosts of MasterChef.
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