Labour MP Rupa Huq has called for the BBC to consider pausing the airing of MasterChef: The Professionals following allegations of inappropriate comments against host Gregg Wallace. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Huq expressed concerns that continuing to air the show during the ongoing investigation could be “triggering” for the women involved in the allegations.
Wallace has denied the claims, which include accusations of sexual harassment, made by 13 individuals last week. In response to the allegations, Wallace described the accusers as a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age,” a remark that has been criticized by some of his accusers, including Ulrika Jonsson, who accused Wallace of making a “rape joke” during her time on Celebrity MasterChef.
Despite Wallace stepping aside from presenting duties, the pre-recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals are still scheduled to air. Huq stated that continuing the broadcast might give the impression that Wallace “got away with it,” urging the BBC to send a strong message regarding the seriousness of the allegations.
The ongoing investigation, launched by production company Banijay UK, involves multiple allegations spanning several shows, including Wallace being warned in 2018 over complaints related to inappropriate behavior on Impossible Celebrities. The BBC has said it will listen to any complaints brought to its attention and act accordingly.
Other former Celebrity MasterChef contestants, including Aasmah Mir, have also shared their concerns, with Mir revealing she stopped watching the show after experiencing inappropriate comments from Wallace during filming. Helen Lederer, another former contestant, suggested viewers boycott the show as a form of protest.
As the investigation continues, many are questioning the BBC’s response and whether sufficient action has been taken to address past complaints.