‘MasterChef UK’ host of 20 years, John Torode, has been sacked from the show, after allegedly using “an extremely offensive racist term”.
According to a BBC spokesperson, the term was investigated and substantiated through an independent investigation led by a law firm.
It has not been disclosed what exact term was used, but BBC Director General Tim Davie said it is “serious” and “not acceptable in any way, shape or form.”
We’ve drawn a line in the sand.
Torode responded to the allegations on Instagram, stating that he has “absolutely no recollection” of the incident, and “does not believe it happened.”
Although the BBC hasn’t confirmed the details, Torode believes the incident happened “sometime in 2018 or 2019” and claimed the person involved “did not believe” it was said with any malicious intent.
The presenter also claims he apologised immediately afterwards.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
In another post, Torode claimed he’d not heard about his dismissal from anyone at either BBC or media company Banijay.
He added, he feels frustrated that he had no involvement in parting ways, despite working on ‘MasterChef’ since its relaunch in 2005.
While the feelings are sour from Torode, he did say that he has “loved every minute” working on the show.
It’s been a rough run for the show lately, with co-host Gregg Wallace also getting the chop just last week.
An investigation launched in November led to Wallace stepping back from ‘MasterChef’, and he was officially let go after 45 complaints were upheld.
The claims included sexually inappropriate language, along with culturally insensitive and racist remarks.
This now puts the BBC into a pickle, as an unseen series of ‘MasterChef’, hosted by both Torode and Wallace, has already been filmed.
Davie refused to comment on what is set to happen with the unaired show.
Although it has not been smooth sailing in recent times, Davie is confident that ‘MasterChef UK’ has a big future ahead.
