Banijay UK has released the findings of the investigation it commissioned from law firm, Lewis Silkin, into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by MasterChef presenter, Gregg Wallace
Following allegations made by BBC News, The Telegraph and other media outlets, Banijay UK, producers of MasterChef and Eat Well for Less, commissioned the law firm to investigate in December 2024.
The investigation has reported that it has now substantiated 45 of the 83 allegations against Wallace that it investigated.
Both the BBC and Banijay UK have both now stated that Wallace’s return to MasterChef is “untenable.”
Over a seven-month period, the investigation heard 83 allegations against Gregg Wallace from 41 complainants – all relating to his time as a presenter on MasterChef.
Via a process of interviews (the team spoke to 78 witnesses) and analysis of relevant documentation and unedited programme footage, the investigation substantiated 45 of the allegations against Gregg Wallace. Just over half.
The team were also asked to investigate allegations against other people involved with the productions, as well as to examine the process of making a complaint whilst working on the productions and the way complaints made were handled by both the production team and the BBC. The investigation spanned the period from 2005 to 2024.
45 of the 83 allegations against Gregg Wallace were substantiated by the investigation.
The majority of the allegations against Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. One allegation was substantiated post 2018. (Banijay acquired Endemol Shine in 2020.)
The report states that the majority of substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. A smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated. One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated by the report.
There were also 10 standalone allegations about other people in relation to the period from 2012 to 2018/2019, 2 of which were substantiated.
The investigation team found evidence that during the period from 2005 to 2024 6 complaints were raised with the production company and 6 with the BBC (4 of which had also been raised with the production company). More formal action was taken by the production company in 2015 and the BBC in 2017.
Prior to 2016 (when Endemol merged with Shine) the investigation found that there was little or no formal training or clear escalation procedures in place, leading to underreporting of inappropriate behaviour. The report found that freelance staff in particular often felt unable to raise issues due to concerns of potential impact on future employment. The investigation found that HR processes and training “improved significantly” post 2016 (when Endemol merged with Shine) and again in 2020 (when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine).
The investigation found that where concerns were reported to the production company, especially in earlier periods 2005 – 2011, they were often handled informally and on a case-by-case basis with no records of action having been taken, resulting in the effectiveness of the reporting and action not being adequately assessed.
It also found that there was no consolidated or centrally held information within the BBC on concerns raised with the broadcaster resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Details around the two substantiated complaints regarding other individuals have been referred to Banijay UK who are reviewing and will address appropriately.
Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said: “I’d like to thank Lewis Silkin for a thorough and detailed report which is the culmination of 7 months of extensive interviews and analysis. It provides much needed clarity on issues spanning almost 20 years. Whilst it makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures, it also provides valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with.
“Ways of reporting concerns whilst working on our productions, protocols around behaviour and training for both cast and crew, have improved exponentially in recent years and I’m encouraged that this is acknowledged in the report. We constantly review welfare procedures across our productions to ensure that they are as robust as they can be. Banijay Entertainment already has a confidential speak up line for those wishing to raise issues, however we will be rolling out an additional externally run whistle blowing service across all our productions with immediate effect. This will not only provide additional external routes to raise issues or concerns but will also provide independent support and advice to cast and crew.
“In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016 where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking particularly amongst freelance staff. The report also highlights a reluctance by production staff to raise issues or concerns, contributing to an underreporting at that time. As a business, and as an industry reliant on freelance roles, we need to continually address how we create environments where people feel safe and supported so issues can be addressed. Banijay UK fully supports the BBC’s recently announced Respect at Work guidance.
“Whilst acknowledging Mr Wallace’s autism diagnosis, which is relevant to certain behaviours identified in the report and accepting that the production could have done more to identify, manage and communicate patterns of inappropriate behaviour, the volume and consistency of substantiated allegations, ranging between 2005 and 2024, make Gregg Wallace’s return to MasterChef untenable.
“We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed.
“MasterChef is a much-loved show which year in, year out, changes the lives and careers of contestants, amateur and professional alike. It’s made by a brilliant team of outstanding professionals, and we look forward to bringing more exceptional cooking to screens in the coming months and years.”
Philippa Childs, Head of creative industries union Bectu, responded to the Banijay report on Gregg Wallace, saying: “The findings of this report make clear that inappropriate behaviour has gone unchecked for far too long. This is a real failure by Banijay to take these issues seriously and act accordingly.
“The sheer volume of complaints, with 45 upheld, demonstrates the scale of the problem and freelancers’ reluctance to speak up. In what can be a very precarious industry, it is difficult to overstate how vulnerable freelancers feel when experiencing or witnessing poor behaviour, especially by those in positions of power and influence.
“Employers have a duty to stamp out bad behaviour and support their workforces when issues are raised. It is entirely unacceptable that complaints have been raised consistently over the last two decades, and yet only in the last few months has any concrete action been taken.
“Far too often, production companies and broadcasters point to engaging external reporting lines or improved internal procedures as evidence of taking these issues seriously. But it is clear these measures are wholly insufficient, and it is noteworthy that in their statement today, Banijay has not committed to supporting the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority – an industry-wide, independent and credible body that also has government backing.
“Misogyny, intimidation, ageism and sexual harassment should have no place in modern workplaces. Yet they continue to plague our creative industries, propped up by inadequate reporting mechanisms, a lack of accountability and an industry that enables extreme power dynamics and ‘untouchable’ talent.
“This must be a learning moment for the industry and must drive concrete change. The dedicated, talented professionals who drive our much-loved film and TV industry deserve much, much better.”
Staff Reporter
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