MasterChef Hosts Respond to Racism Allegations Report

MasterChef presenter John Torode has confirmed he is the subject of an allegation of using racist language, as revealed in a report commissioned by Banijay UK and conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin. The investigation substantiated 45 of 83 complaints against Gregg Wallace, as well as two standalone allegations involving others, including one against Torode for alleged racist language in 2018 or 2019. Torode stated he does not recall the incident or believe it happened, but apologized if any offense was caused and emphasized that any racial language is unacceptable. The individual involved reportedly did not believe the remark was malicious and noted that Torode apologized immediately. Wallace has apologized for any distress caused, but maintains that none of the most serious allegations against him were upheld, and criticized the BBC's handling of the case. Both the BBC and Banijay UK have committed to addressing the issues raised by the report.