Gordon Ramsay has reportedly distanced himself from fellow TV chef Gino D’Acampo over his alleged “unacceptable behaviour.” Gino, 48, has been accused of sexual misconduct following a recent ITV News probe which saw “dozens” of people accuse him of “unacceptable”, “distressing” and “horrendous” behaviour.
Gino has strongly denied all allegations, saying that he finds them deeply upsetting. It’s believed that “over 40 people” have been spoken to by the broadcasting outlet as part of their investigation.
These people have either witnessed or experienced alleged inappropriate and intimidating behaviour by Gino. Now, his former Road Trip co-star and friend Gordon is said to be prepared to throw Gino “under the bus” in wake of the allegations, writes The Mirror.
A source has claimed that in recent years, Gino and Gordon’s friendship had wilted with the Scottish chef said to have been “horrified” by Gino’s alleged behaviour. It’s reported that Gino and Gordon are no longer on speaking terms as Gordon continues to distance himself.
“Gordon was horrified with what had gone on and felt it was time to step in and stop it,” a source told theMailOnline.
They went on to add: “He has three daughters and a wife, Tana, who he absolutely adores and felt it was disgusting. He wanted to change those ways but then it led to difficulties between them.
“Gordon found there was a lot of unacceptable behaviour going on, he saw things he didn’t think were okay so he spoke up. That was that, friendship over.” They added that the Ramsay family are said to be “throwing Gino under the bus.”
In response to all allegations, Gino told ITV News: “I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago. I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied.
“I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.
“Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.
“I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of. I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”
Gino faces accusations dating back over ten years and individuals who have come forward are said to have been fearful of any consequences if they ever spoke of their alleged encounters with the chef.
One woman, who has been named as Hannah to protect her identity, has told an investigation that she was on the receiving end of vulgar comments from Gino in 2011. She claims Mr D’Acampo said he would “like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter.”
The woman claims that there were laughs from crew members after he made the comment. But she says she saw the “shock” and “horror”, claiming his alleged behaviour made her feel “very, very, very small.”
Speaking to ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia, Hannah added: “I definitely saw it as some kind of power play. The very act of what he said was aggressive. He did not think that was an inappropriate thing to say to me.”
In response, Gino’s legal representatives told the outlet: “This allegation from almost 15 years ago has never, until now via a media request for comment, been raised or put to Mr D’Acampo. He does not recall it, nor accept that this happened. Mr D’Acampo is horrified to be accused of ‘power play’ and an ‘aggressive act’. He emphatically and unequivocally denies these allegations.”