Gregg Wallace vehemently denies 'inappropriate sexual comments' as he issues defiant response to claims
Gregg Wallace has hit back at fresh reports of 'inappropriate sexual comments'
BBC/INSTAGRAM
MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has vehemently denied allegations of making inappropriate sexual comments to a female BBC staffer.
In an Instagram video posted Monday morning, Wallace addressed the claims, stating: "The story that is hitting the newspapers...
"This was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC and the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual.
"I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. Thank you for your time."
He then posted a second video in which he claimed: "Despite what the newspapers are suggesting, nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody.
"And the reason I say this is because of my wife, Anna [Sterpini].
Gregg Wallace regularly presents MasterChef with John Torode
BBC
"I have always been true to my wife Anna, and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years that I met her and fell in love with her."
Wallace continued: "It's important that so that people don't misunderstand. I am true to my wife."
The allegations against Wallace reportedly stem from an incident in 2018 on the BBC game show Impossible Celebrities.
According to The Sun, Wallace was accused of making "inappropriate sexual comments" to a younger female member of the production team.
Gregg Wallace was made an MBE in 2023
PA
Sources claim he boasted about his sex life and took his top off in front of the woman.
The BBC reportedly took "immediate action" at the time, calling Wallace in for a meeting where he was "read the riot act and told to change his behaviour".
Wallace allegedly maintained he didn't mean anything by his comments, which he considered "banter".
Last year, Wallace stepped down from presenting Inside The Factory following separate claims of inappropriate behaviour.
He was accused of being "rude towards staff" and using "derogatory" language during filming at a Nestlé factory.
Wallace addressed these claims on Good Morning Britain, stating there had been "an issue" but denying he had offended anyone.
The BBC has reportedly faced questions about allowing Wallace to remain on MasterChef despite these incidents.
A source told The Sun: "The BBC say they are keen to clear up issues around workplace culture but have allowed Gregg to remain on a flagship show despite allegations about his conduct."
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A BBC spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating to GB News: "Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time.
"We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place."
Wallace's representatives have not provided additional comment beyond his Instagram statement.