The BBC is facing increasing calls to reconsider the broadcast of this year’s “MasterChef” series, following the dismissal of presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
Bectu, the broadcasting union, has asserted that misconduct “should not be rewarded with prime-time coverage.” Furthermore, a prominent women’s rights charity has cautioned that many viewers would experience “deep discomfort” seeing the show on television.
This controversy arose after a “MasterChef” contestant stated that she was edited out of the program after requesting that the new series not be aired, in light of allegations against the two hosts.
The BBC has previously acknowledged that the decision to proceed with the series was “not an easy one,” adding that “widespread support” for the broadcast exists among the chefs involved.
The controversy surrounding “MasterChef” began last year, when BBC News initially reported allegations of misconduct against Gregg Wallace.
Last month, a report from the show’s production company revealed that over 40 complaints against Wallace had been substantiated. Additionally, a claim that Torode used a severely offensive racist term was also verified.
Following the report, the BBC announced that the new series – filmed prior to the dismissals of Wallace and Torode – would still be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
The corporation stated that this decision was reached after “careful consideration and consultation” with the contestants.
However, speaking exclusively to BBC News, Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, urged the BBC “to reconsider its decision to broadcast the latest series of MasterChef.”
She stated: “While the BBC claims to have consulted with contestants, there appears to have been no consultation with complainants; freelancers who have taken the very difficult step of speaking out and who will legitimately feel distressed as the show appears on their screens several times a week over the next two months.”
Ms. Childs added that freelancers whose complaints had been upheld would “undoubtedly be triggered” by the decision to air the series.
“If [the BBC] are serious about addressing this industry-wide problem, broadcasters should not reward bad behaviour with prime-time coverage,” she said.
BBC News understands that the new series may be re-edited in light of the findings, with the prominence of Wallace and Torode being re-evaluated.
It is believed that there will be limitations on the extent to which the pair can be edited out, but the primary focus is expected to be on the contestants.
The BBC declined to comment on Ms. Childs’ statements.
Her views were echoed by some of the women who came forward with allegations against Wallace.
Reacting to the news of the broadcast, one former “MasterChef” worker who claimed Wallace groped her stated that the decision demonstrates “a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward.”
She questioned, “It’s a total reversal of so-called firing from MasterChef – how can you be fired, yet your work is still made public?”
Another former “MasterChef” worker, who alleged that Wallace pulled his trousers down in front of her, told BBC News that the decision to air the series was “profoundly disrespectful” to individuals like herself who had made allegations.
“It ultimately sends a message that such behavior can be overlooked.”
She added that she had not been consulted regarding the decision to air the series.
Penny East, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, also expressed concern about the decision.
“Seeing Gregg Wallace on our screens will be deeply uncomfortable for many people, not least the brave women who have spoken about his appalling behaviour,” she said.
“It can’t be right that men who sexually harass women continue to be given a platform and allowed to maintain their profile and power.”
Ms. East acknowledged that it was a “difficult dilemma,” adding: “We also know that all of the contestants will have put their hearts and souls into the competition over the many weeks of filming. To leave them with nothing to show for this feels uncomfortable.”
“Perhaps editing out the presenters entirely would have been a better solution.”
On Thursday, one of the contestants on the new series of “MasterChef” revealed that she was edited out after requesting that it not be broadcast.
Sarah Shafi told BBC Newsnight that “in an ideal world, what would have happened is that it would have been axed” out of respect for those individuals whose complaints had been upheld.
She stated that this would have sent “a strong message that [the BBC] are not supporting people in those prominent positions or facilitating some sort of enabling environment.”
Ms. Shafi said that she had felt “pressurised into saying yes” to the show proceeding, and the solution of editing her out left her “flabbergasted.”
“This is a woman being edited out. Again, the woman gets silenced into extinction. It’s happening time and time again.”
The BBC stated that “MasterChef’s” production company, Banijay, had consulted with all the contestants before making the decision to air the series.
Both parties expressed that they were “sorry” she did not support the decision to air it.
Separately, Ms. Shafi also stated that her experience on the show “wasn’t a good one” and that being on the show felt like “a boys’ game.”
“I went there being faithful to food, not to be eyed up and ogled, it just felt that was very uncomfortable for me,” she said. “That was with Gregg Wallace.”
Responding to those claims, Banijay stated: “We have no record of Sarah raising concerns with producers at the time of filming. However, when raised during the formal investigation process, we thoroughly assessed her claims, including reviewing relevant programme rushes with Sarah.”
“These do not support her version of events regarding inappropriate comments or actions by Gregg Wallace, which Sarah has acknowledged.”
BBC News has also approached Gregg Wallace for comment.
In announcing its decision to air the series, the BBC stated: “This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances, and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.”
“In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behavior that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.”
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.”
Former contestants on the show have also previously told BBC News that being on “MasterChef” can be “life-changing” for them.
The upheld claims against Wallace included one of unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
A total of 83 complaints were made against Wallace, and he said he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations.”
But he added: “I recognise that some of my humor and language, at times, was inappropriate.”
“For that, I apologize without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”
The upheld complaint against Torode related to a severely offensive racist term allegedly used on the set of “MasterChef” in 2018.
The presenter stated that he had “no recollection” of it and that any racist language is “wholly unacceptable.”
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