John Torode says allegation of using racist language upheld in MasterChef review

MasterChef presenter John Torode has confirmed he is the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of his co-presenter Gregg Wallace.

The report, commissioned by MasterChef production company Banijay and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.

In a post on Instagram, Torode confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.

His statement said: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.

“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.

“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”

On Monday, an investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace said more than 40 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were "found to be substantiated", including inappropriate sexual language, being in a state of undress and one incident of "unwelcome physical contact".

Wallace stepped back from presenting the BBC show in November 2024 after several historical allegations were disclosed.

Wallace said he “never set out to harm or humiliate” and was “deeply sorry for any distress” his behaviour caused following the report being published.

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