Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has claimed his lawyers believe the BBC infringed his human rights by asking the public to come forward and complain about him. The 61-year-old television star was dismissed by the broadcaster last July following an investigation into 83 historical allegations of workplace misconduct, with 45 of those accusations subsequently upheld.
Before dropping his claim in February, Wallace had attempted to sue the BBC and BBC Studios Distribution Limited for up to £10,000 in damages over allegations that they failed to disclose his personal data, causing him distress and harassment. This week, Wallace reignited talk of his legal counsel during an exchange on social media.
One fan tweeted the former TV star, who earned £400,000 a year at the BBC: "You can work through your reputation damage. A lot of people thought you were hard done by for being found guilty of the complaint by women contestants. Very dodgy at the same time hundreds complained."
Wallace wrote back: "Actually, no complaints from any staff over 20 years of filming. BBC actually asked the public to come and complain. My lawyers think that may even be an infringement of human rights," adding: "Lawyer says the decision to invite anybody who had ever met you over 20 years to come forward and complain may be an infringement of human rights. Nobody has ever been treated like this before."
Social Media Exchange And Misconduct Review
Another user responded: "Doubling down as always, Gregg, wasn't that long ago you were apologising on an interview now you've done nothing wrong. Give it a rest," to which Wallace replied: "Oh, you've misunderstood. I apologised for any offence I may have unknowingly caused."
Wallace, who co-hosted MasterChef with John Torode, 61, for nearly 20 years, failed to explain if he is considering further legal action. The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
It was announced in November 2024 that Wallace would step away from his role while misconduct allegations were investigated. A review by law firm Lewis Silkin later upheld 45 of 83 allegations against him, which mostly occurred between 2005 and 2018 and included one of "unwelcome physical contact."
The review stated that the "majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour," adding that "a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated." Wallace issued an apology saying he was "deeply sorry for any distress caused" and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate."
In a Substack post shared in January, Wallace claimed the investigation process was "not a legal one" and that "the standard of proof would not stand up in a court of law," comparing it instead to an internal human resources process. He alleged an "open invitation" was sent out asking anyone who had "ever worked with me (or met me) to come forward and tell their stories" after his reputation was already "being dragged through the mud."
Post-Broadcasting Work And Relocation Plans
Wallace pointed out that he had interacted with "tens of thousands of people" over his career, including six new contestants every filming day, changing film crews, other show participants, and attendees at charity events and industry parties. Since his sacking, Wallace has been earning money through Cameo, selling personalized videos for £40.
Elsewhere, he revealed he is selling his £1 million Kent home, which he bought back in 2017. Wallace, his younger wife Anne-Marie, 38, and their six-year-old son Sid, who has been diagnosed with autism, plan to move to Italy.
