Television personality Gregg Wallace under fire. The allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior and comments toward him stretch from 2005-2022. The allegations cover a wide range of events. These incidents include racist and misogynistic comments about his dating life and unwarranted, alleged groping of female coworkers. Wallace’s public response thus far has been to state some of the allegations are “exaggerated.” Now he is fighting to find the time to respond to the fallout from these grave allegations.
Wallace, who has been a judge on the BBC’s “MasterChef” for 17 years, has been accused at least five times over on four other shows. The accusations include that he made no secret of discussing his sexual relationships. He allegedly subjected junior female colleagues to lewd comments. In one instance, he is accused of removing his t-shirt while in the presence of a female staffer. He said he wanted to “put on a fashion show” for her. Further, he had supposedly confessed to a coworker that he was indeed going commando beneath his blue jeans. This announcement increased the alarm about his continued behavior in the workplace.
That his behaviour warranted scrutiny was evident when two of these women stepped forth with far graver accusations, giving rise to #MeToo. One woman admitted that Wallace inappropriately touched her behind at a political event. One other woman accused him of grinding his groin on her while she filmed. These accusations are indicative of a larger trend of misconduct. They encompass allegations of “groping” and “touching” that have been reported in the months after the first accusers came forward.
In an attempt to quell the rising backlash, Wallace took to Twitter to lament the charges. He was “beside myself.” He had a hard time sleeping because, in his words, he felt like it was a character assassination.
“I’ve said something really stupid. They’re investigating my behaviour, but more and more people are coming forward with complaints about me. Mum, they’re not all true. I haven’t done these things.” – Gregg Wallace
Wallace has thanked everyone for understanding that he would like some personal space while he navigates this difficult time. He focused on the importance of going back and healing first. Along with preventing overstimulation, he underscored the importance of being around folks who really get him.
“I need space to heal and be with the people who know who I really am.” – Gregg Wallace
The television host addressed the new claims head on. One of the most outrageous allegations even accused him of walking around the filming set nude, with only a sock to cover his genitals. He owned up to a more playful odyssey with his sock. He was simply joking around and having fun with friends and did not intend to offend, he explained.
Given the gravity of the charges against him, Wallace has refused to speak to press directly. He has turned down several interview requests from BBC News, preferring to deal with the matter in a personal, private way.
In a reflection of the situation, Wallace remarked on the demographics of those making allegations against him, referring to them as “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.” This comment has been the focus of pushback and demonstrates the murkiness of the allegations he now contends with.
Adding to his own demons, just months ago Wallace revealed that he has been diagnosed with autism. Finding this is the case could explain much of his lack of preparedness, response, and follow-through during these alarming episodes.
The work to confirm or refute these grave allegations goes on. Wallace is now confronted by the double-edged sword of personal scandal and press shaming. The result of these allegations is unknown. However, they have certainly affected his career and mental health.
Leave a Reply