THE BBC asked John Torode to resign from MasterChef after he was accused of racism, it was claimed tonight.
It comes as a report upheld 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour against his co-host Gregg Wallace, who was axed last week.
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The BBC asked John Torode to resign from MasterChefCredit: BBC
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Gregg Wallace with co-host John Torode on MasterChefCredit: PA
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The latest series has been delayed amid the allegations against Gregg WallaceCredit: Getty
The dossier also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase once several years ago.
Torode confirmed to The Sun it referred to him, but said: “I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.”
The BBC also told the MasterChef presenter to pretend he had mental health issues after accusing him of racism, it was claimed.
The stunned Aussie, 59, was asked to resign over the weekend after being dragged into the Gregg Wallace scandal.
He was cited — but not named — in findings published over a racist remark he allegedly made during a private conversation.
Torode, who has hosted the BBC1 cooking show with Wallace since 2005, was shocked to be told of the allegation — which did not receive a complaint at the time but had been raised with investigators.
In a farcical turn of events, the BBC was unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to “2018 or 2019”.
Shockingly, sources said the BBC and production company Banijay asked John to resign from the beleaguered show last week and claim he had mental health problems — to which he refused.
He issued a statement to The Sun confirming he was the individual in the Wallace investigation who was “alleged to have used racial language on one occasion”.
However John — married to actress and ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, 53 — believes it never even happened.
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The dad of four said: “The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and I apologised immediately afterwards. I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened
“However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
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John married actress and ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa FaulknerCredit: PA:Press Association
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John and Wallace began hosting a revamped MasterChef in 2005Credit: Shine Ltd
“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is “absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess”.
They went on: “He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified.
“The witness even stated he didn’t use the term as a slur.
“No one complained at the time, but it’s been brought up during the inquiry. Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld.
The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back.
He was told to have his answer by Monday.
“They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show.
“Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn’t have any mental health issues. To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma.
“John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn’t want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star.”
Melbourne-born John moved to the UK in 1991 and started working in London restaurants including Quaglino’s.
‘Witch-hunt is too much’
By Clemmie Moodie
GREGG Wallace had pledged in his damning statement that there would be “more casualties” from the BBC’s hapless handling of the investigation into him.
If the BBC has its way then John Torode will be next.
Which begs the question, where the hell does this all end?
In its desperate efforts to save its mighty cash cow, MasterChef, from cancellation, the BBC seems hellbent on cancelling its own.
Gregg’s behaviour, by his own admission, was unacceptable.
But poor John is now being hauled down with him.
His mistake? Telling a story, that he cannot remember telling, in a bar seven or eight years ago, and using an offensive term.
As soon as he was informed the term was racist, he immediately apologised.
No complaint was made.
Nobody actually knows when it happened. Or if it happened.
Certainly John doesn’t believe it happened.
Now, so desperate to clean up its house, or indeed kitchen, is Auntie, that she is asking John to jump before he is pushed.
Incredibly, they suggested he fabricate a mental health crisis, and walk.
How, in this day and age, was this allowed to happen?
Quite rightly, John refused.
Putting matters of ethics to one side, the BBC’s witch-hunt against its talent is becoming ever more extreme.
To be clear, Gregg should have gone — but if this isolated incident is his only offence, John does not deserve to go down too.
At this rate, there will be no one left to present its shows.
It was there he met greengrocer Wallace, who provided their veg.
He started cooking on This Morning in 1996 before he and Wallace began hosting the revamped MasterChef in 2005.
In the report, 45 of 83 complaints about Wallace — stretching from 2005 to 2024 — were upheld, leading to his sacking last week.
One included unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
There were also substantiated complaints of inappropriate sexual language and humour, and culturally insensitive or racist comments.
It also says ten stand-alone allegations were made against other people, with two substantiated.
Both relate to inappropriate language, including one of swearing.
The other was a racist remark, which relates to John.
The inquiry, by an independent law firm, was ordered by Banijay after a BBC News probe.
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Gregg has been axed from the show following an investigation into his behaviourCredit: BBC
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Gregg will no longer be working for the BBCCredit: BBC
Yesterday PM Sir Keir Starmer said he welcomed the BBC cutting ties with its ex-star and demanded action to end “abuses of power”.
His spokesman said: “Those allegations were very serious, deeply concerning, and it’s right that a thorough investigation has been conducted. We welcome the fact the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace, and we’re clear appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.”
The report said Wallace was diagnosed with autism during the investigation, and “the findings made should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity”.
A decision has not been made yet about whether the BBC will air the new series of MasterChef which was filmed last year.
What were the main findings of the report?
FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of “unwelcome physical contact”, were found to have been substantiated.
An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace.
The report substantiated:
– Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo;
– Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments;
– Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone;
– Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments;
– Three claims that he was in a state of undress;
– Seven allegations of bullying;
– One allegation of unwanted touching.
The allegations span from 2005 to 2024.
Wallace, 60, apologised but also launched a scathing attack on the BBC, warning of “more casualties”.
He said: “I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.
“Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. To those who’ve shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal.
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John and wife Lisa are authors of John & Lisa’s Kitchen
“I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last. There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people.”
He is now expected to sue the corporation, adding: “For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”
Tory shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew said: “There were clear missed opportunities by the production behind MasterChef and the BBC to address concerning behaviour. That’s not acceptable.”
Banijay boss Patrick Holland yesterday apologised to everyone involved after the findings were published.
He said the report made for “uncomfortable reading” and highlighted important failures which it was addressing.
The BBC also apologised, adding: “There is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
A spokeswoman for Banijay declined to comment on the allegation concerning John.
