MasterChef Judge Gregg Wallace has been accused of misconduct by ghostwriter Shannon Kyle.
The former MasterChef judge, has come under scrutiny following allegations of inappropriate behavior spanning 17 years. More than a dozen individuals have accused the TV host of making sexual remarks, inappropriate jokes, and groping. He has strongly denied these claims through his legal representatives, asserting that he does not engage in behavior of a sexually harassing nature.
Amid the controversy, Shannon Kyle, the ghostwriter of Wallace’s 2012 autobiography Life On A Plate, spoke out on Newsnight with Victoria Derbyshire, accusing Wallace of sexual misconduct during their collaboration.
Kyle alleged incidents where Wallace acted inappropriately, including answering the door in a towel, which he later dropped, and making explicit sexualised remarks and advances. She claimed he touched her inappropriately during interviews and meetings, including once in a sports car and another time in a hotel car park. Kyle, who was 35 at the time, described his behavior as “predatory” and “revolting.”
Kyle detailed several incidents, including Wallace allegedly discussing explicit details of his sex life during their work, making lewd comments, and touching her without consent. She recalled one meeting at his home where he greeted her in a towel, which he later dropped while claiming his trousers were behind the cushion she was sitting on. She also alleged he made obscene suggestions during interviews, such as proposing to smear food on his genitals.
The writer said that, during another meeting for the memoir, the MasterChef star said sexually inappropriate things to her, including: “If you won’t let me sleep with you, would you lick my [a***hole]?”
Another moment from a different meeting allegedly saw him initiating a “really big hug” where his face was ‘right next to hers’. She said she ‘completely froze’ and he told her to give him a “little kiss”. “Go on, just give me a little kiss, just a little one,” she claimed he said.
The writer stated she felt vulnerable due to being alone with Wallace and feared losing her job, citing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that emphasised loyalty and confidentiality. Kyle described Wallace’s behavior as “misogyny” dismissed as “cheeky humor.”
Wallace has denied the allegations, with his lawyers refuting claims of sexual misconduct and stating that he denies any inappropriate behavior toward Kyle.
Following these allegations, Wallace announced he would be stepping away from his MasterChef role. In a video posted to Instagram, he apologised for remarks he had made about “middle-aged women” in a prior post, attributing the comment to stress and emotional turmoil. Wallace expressed regret and stated his intention to take time away while an external investigation is conducted.
Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, confirmed it had launched an independent review into historical allegations of misconduct involving Wallace. The BBC also issued a statement affirming its zero-tolerance policy for behavior that falls below its standards and pledged support for the investigation.
Kyle said the allegations against Wallace were “a long time coming” and urged others to speak up against inappropriate behavior. She expressed her hope that sharing her experiences would hold Wallace accountable.
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