Gregg Wallace Co-Host John Torode Addresses Racist Language Allegation in ‘MasterChef’ Investigation

John Torode, the long-serving co-host of BBC‘s “MasterChef,” has confirmed he is the subject of a racist language allegation that was upheld in the investigation into the show’s workplace culture, breaking his silence on findings that have rocked the flagship culinary series.

In an Instagram statement posted Monday, Torode acknowledged he is “the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion” as part of the Lewis Silkin investigation that primarily focused on his co-presenter Gregg Wallace. The allegation relates to remarks allegedly made in 2018 or 2019.

“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion,” Torode wrote. However, the celebrity chef maintained his innocence, stating: “I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened.”

According to Torode’s statement, the allegation included that “the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologized immediately afterwards.” Despite this characterization, Torode expressed shock at the finding.

“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence,” he said. “I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.”

The revelation comes as the BBC and producer Banijay U.K. announced the termination of Wallace’s nearly two-decade tenure on “MasterChef” following the Lewis Silkin investigation, which substantiated 45 of 83 allegations against Wallace spanning from 2005 to 2024.

The report also examined 10 standalone allegations against other individuals involved with the productions, substantiating two of them. Both upheld allegations related to inappropriate language – one involving swearing and one involving racist language, now confirmed to involve Torode.

Unlike Wallace, whose departure from “MasterChef” was deemed “untenable” by both the BBC and Banijay U.K., Torode’s future with the show remains unclear. The BBC has not issued any statement yet regarding Torode’s status following his acknowledgment of the upheld allegation.

The Lewis Silkin investigation, which spanned seven months and interviewed 78 witnesses, was commissioned in December 2024 following media reports of allegations against Wallace. The probe examined workplace culture and complaint handling procedures across the production spanning nearly two decades.

The findings have cast a shadow over one of BBC One’s most successful formats, which has been a cornerstone of the network’s programming since Torode and Wallace began co-hosting in 2005. Their partnership helped establish “MasterChef” as a global phenomenon, spawning multiple international versions and spin-offs.

With Wallace’s departure confirmed and questions now surrounding Torode’s involvement, the future format of “MasterChef” remains uncertain.