John Torode responds to MasterChef sacking

MasterChef presenter John Torode will no longer work on the show after an allegation he used an "extremely offensive racist term" was upheld, the BBC has said.

His co-host Gregg Wallace was also sacked last week after claims of inappropriate behaviour.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Torode said he had not "heard from anyone at the BBC" or the production company that makes MasterChef but confirmed the specials he filmed for Christmas "will be (his) last".

"I'd hoped that l'd have some say in my exit from a show l've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in (the) last few days seem to have prevented that," he wrote.

On Monday, Torode said an allegation he used racist language was upheld in a report into the behaviour of Wallace. The report found more than half of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated.

Torode, 59, insisted he had "absolutely no recollection" of the alleged incident involving him and he "did not believe that it happened," adding "racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment".

In a statement on Tuesday, a BBC spokesperson said the allegation "involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace".

The claim was "investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin", they added.

"The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously," the spokesperson said.

"We will not tolerate racist language of any kind... we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken.

"John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."

In his statement posted on Instagram, Torode repeated that he had "no recollection" of the alleged incident where he was said to have used racist language.

He said he had "loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else".

"I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards," he added.

"My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.

"Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere."

Australian-born Torode started presenting MasterChef alongside Wallace, 60, in 2005.

A statement from Banijay UK said it "takes this matter incredibly seriously" and Lewis Silkin "substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018".

"This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint," the TV production company added.

"Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."

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Earlier, as the BBC released its annual report, its director-general Tim Davie addressed MasterChef's future, saying it can survive as it is "much bigger than individuals".

Speaking to BBC News after Torode was sacked, Mr Davie said a decision is yet to be taken over whether an unseen MasterChef series - filmed with both Wallace and Torode last year - will be aired.

"It's a difficult one because... those amateur chefs gave a lot to take part - it means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show," he added.

"I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision, and we'll communicate that in due course."

Mr Davie refused to say what the "seriously racist term" Torode was alleged to have used but said: "I certainly think we've drawn a line in the sand."

In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity.

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