Gregg Wallace’s ghostwriter makes new harassment allegations – The Irish Times
MasterChef Star Gregg Wallace Faces New Sexual Harassment allegations
Table of Contents
- MasterChef Star Gregg Wallace Faces New Sexual Harassment allegations
- Celebrity Chef Gregg Wallace Faces Mounting Allegations, BBC Pulls Christmas Specials
- “grim” Stories of Workplace Harassment Highlight Need for Change, Says UK Equality Chief
- celebrity Chef Gregg Wallace Faces mounting Allegations, BBC Pulls Christmas Specials
Celebrity chef Gregg wallace,known for his role as a judge on the popular cooking show MasterChef,is facing fresh allegations of sexual harassment from a former ghostwriter. Shannon Kyle, who worked with Wallace on his 2012 autobiography “Life on a Plate,” claims he engaged in inappropriate behaviour towards her throughout their professional relationship.
Kyle alleges that Wallace made unwanted physical contact, including touching her thigh and bottom, and made sexually suggestive comments. She described his behavior as “predatory” and “revolting misogyny,” stating that it went beyond “cheeky barrow-boy humor.”
“I was worried about losing the job,” Kyle told BBC Newsnight, explaining that she felt pressured to tolerate Wallace’s behavior due to the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she signed before starting the project. ”So I thoght to myself … I’m just going to try and navigate this, [I’ll] just try and push on through,” she said.
Wallace’s lawyers have denied the allegations, stating that their client “has denied that he has engaged in any such behavior, and he specifically denies any sexual misconduct with Ms Kyle.”
these new allegations come on the heels of a BBC News report last week that featured accounts from 13 individuals who worked with Wallace across various programs. They accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments,creating a antagonistic work habitat.
Among those who came forward was former BBC Newsnight presenter kirsty Wark, who alleged that Wallace told stories and jokes of a “sexualised nature” in front of contestants and crew while she was on Celebrity MasterChef.The mounting allegations against Wallace have sparked a wider conversation about workplace harassment and the power dynamics within the entertainment industry.

This is a developing story.
Celebrity Chef Gregg Wallace Faces Mounting Allegations, BBC Pulls Christmas Specials
London, England – Acclaimed chef and television personality Gregg Wallace is facing a growing number of allegations of misconduct, prompting the BBC to pull two upcoming MasterChef Christmas specials.The allegations, which include claims of inappropriate touching, are being investigated by Banijay UK, the production company behind the popular cooking show.
Wallace, known for his boisterous personality and catchphrase “taste it!” on MasterChef, has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers previously stated he has denied any sexually harassing behavior.
The controversy began when former MasterChef contestant and television presenter Melanie Sykes publicly accused Wallace of making her feel uncomfortable on set. Sykes, who appeared on Celebrity masterchef in 2021, revealed she had made an informal complaint about Wallace’s behavior, stating that working with him was the reason she decided to step away from television.
Following Sykes’ allegations, several other individuals came forward with similar claims against Wallace. The BBC,while not directly employing Wallace,took swift action,pulling the MasterChef Christmas specials and referring the matter to Banijay UK for a thorough investigation.
“We have taken action, referring issues to the relevant production company and challenging his behavior directly as has been widely reported,” a BBC representative told Newsnight.
Wallace initially dismissed his accusers as “middle-class women of a certain age,” a statement that drew further criticism and led him to issue a public apology and announce he would be taking “some time out.”
John Torode,Wallace’s longtime co-host on MasterChef,expressed his concern over the allegations,calling them “truly upsetting” and welcoming the ongoing investigation.
The scandal has sparked a national conversation about workplace conduct and the power dynamics within the entertainment industry. UK Home secretary Yvette Cooper weighed in on the situation, describing the allegations against Wallace as ”grim.”
The outcome of Banijay UK’s investigation remains to be seen, but the allegations against Wallace have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his career and raised crucial questions about accountability and respect in the workplace.
“grim” Stories of Workplace Harassment Highlight Need for Change, Says UK Equality Chief
London – The head of the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has spoken out about the “grim” stories of workplace harassment she has heard, emphasizing the need for employers to take such concerns seriously.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the EHRC’s chair, made the comments following recent controversy surrounding British journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan. Morgan faced criticism for his dismissive remarks about women who had complained about the behavior of fellow broadcaster,Andrew Neil.
Falkner, while not directly referencing the Morgan incident, stressed the importance of taking all allegations of workplace harassment seriously.”You should never underestimate women of a certain age,” she told Sky News. “some of the stories we’ve heard realy have been quite grim.”
While unable to discuss specific cases, Falkner highlighted a disturbing pattern. “The really, I think, depressing thing is that we hear the same story too many times,” she said. “People in positions of power abusing their status and concerns about workplace harassment just not being taken seriously enough.”
Falkner’s comments underscore a growing concern about workplace harassment and the need for systemic change. She urged employers to prioritize creating safe and respectful work environments for all employees. “And we do need employers to take these things seriously,” she emphasized.
celebrity Chef Gregg Wallace Faces mounting Allegations, BBC Pulls Christmas Specials
(NewsDirectory3.com) – The UK entertainment world is reeling after a fresh wave of sexual harassment allegations against celebrity chef Gregg Wallace. As the scandal unfolds, the BBC has acted swiftly, pulling Wallace-featuring Christmas specials from its programming lineup, signaling the gravity of the situation.
New Accusations SparkOutrage
Shannon Kyle,Wallace’s former ghostwriter on his 2012 autobiography “Life on a Plate,” stepped forward this week,accusing the MasterChef judge of inappropriate physical contact adn sexually suggestive comments throughout their collaboration. Kyle described the behavior as “predatory” and “revolting misogyny,” claiming it went beyond mere “cheeky barrow-boy humor.”
Fearful of losing her livelihood due to a restrictive non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed before the project, Kyle endured the alleged harassment. This revelation follows a BBC news report from last week featuring anonymous accounts from 13 individuals who worked with Wallace across various programs. They echoed similar accusations of Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments and creating a hostile work environment.
Prominent journalist Kirsty Wark, known for her time on BBC Newsnight, also came forward, alleging Wallace told “sexualized” stories and jokes in front of contestants and crew while she was on Celebrity MasterChef.
Wallace Denies All allegations
While the allegations continue to mount, Wallace vehemently denies all claims thru his legal representatives.
BBC Takes Swift Action
The BBC has responded decisively by pulling Wallace’s upcoming Christmas specials from their schedules. This move suggests a serious commitment to addressing the accusations and protecting its audience and staff.
A Larger Conversation About Power and Harassment
The Wallace scandal has ignited a wider discussion about power dynamics, workplace culture, and the prevalence of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry. It highlights the vulnerability of individuals in subordinate positions and emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and systemic change.
Developing Story
NewsDirectory3.com will continue to provide updates on this developing story as new details emerges.
Note: We are contacting Ms. Kyle and Mr. Wallace’s representatives for further comment.
