Gregg Wallace, 60, has lastly spoken out on the numerous misconduct allegations in opposition to him. The 60-year-old has admitted he “by no means got down to hurt or humiliate” and is “deeply sorry for any misery”. It comes after the MasterChef star was sacked following a a prolonged investigation upheld 45 out of the 83 allegations made in opposition to him.
He instructed PA: “For eight months, my household and I’ve lived below a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by hearsay and clickbait. Not one of the severe allegations in opposition to me had been upheld.
“I challenged the remaining subject of undesirable touching, however have needed to settle for a distinction in notion, and I’m deeply sorry for any misery induced. It was by no means supposed.”
He mentioned he was relieved the report “absolutely recognises that my behaviour modified profoundly in 2018”. Wallace continued: “A few of my humour and language missed the mark. I by no means got down to hurt or humiliate. I all the time tried to carry heat and assist to MasterChef, on display screen and off.
“After practically 20 years on the present, I now see that sure patterns, formed by traits I’ve solely not too long ago begun to know, might have been misinterpret. I additionally settle for that extra might have been performed, by others and on my own, to deal with considerations earlier.”
Wallace, who was identified with autism throughout the investigation, mentioned his late analysis has helped him perceive how he communicates and the way he’s perceived.
He added: “I am nonetheless studying. Banijay has given me nice assist, and I thank them. However in the long run, the BBC left me uncovered to trial by the media and the injury it leaves in its wake.
“To those that’ve proven kindness, thanks. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct method, trendy broadcasting has develop into a harmful place. I used to be the headline this time. However I will not be the final.
“There might be extra casualties if the BBC continues down this path, the place defending its legacy issues greater than defending folks. In my opinion, with full authorized assist, I’ll think about my subsequent transfer.”
Earlier at present, the BBC confirmed Wallace wouldn’t return to any of its programmes and admitted alternatives had been missed to cope with his behaviour.
Manufacturing firm Banijay, which commissioned regulation agency Lewis Silkin to hold out the investigation, and the BBC mentioned the variety of sustained allegations made his return to MasterChef untenable.
Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy mentioned the claims in opposition to the star had been “horrendous and appalling” and welcomed the BBC’s determination to finish its affiliation with the previous greengrocer.
