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MasterChef star John Torode has been sensationally sacked from the iconic BBC show following an allegation that he used racist language in the workplace, an allegation he strongly denies.
The Australian-born chef, who has fronted the programme alongside Gregg Wallace for almost two decades, was accused of using an “extremely offensive racist term” in a workplace incident, the BBC confirmed in a statement.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster said:
“John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation, which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace, was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.”
Torode has denied the claim, saying he has no recollection of the incident and that any such language is “wholly unacceptable.”
“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment,” the BBC statement continued.
The incident was investigated independently, and the finding was upheld. The BBC said it takes the matter extremely seriously and would not tolerate racist language of any kind, instructing production company Banijay UK to take immediate action.
“John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed,” the BBC confirmed.
Torode, 58, took to Instagram last night to break his silence, posting to his 400,000 followers that he had been made aware of an allegation but insisted he did not believe he ever used such language. He reiterated that racism has no place “in any kitchen, or anywhere else.”
The shock decision brings to an end one of the most successful partnerships in British television. Torode and Gregg Wallace revitalised MasterChef when they joined the show in 2005, turning it into a primetime hit. The pair have judged on the flagship series, Celebrity MasterChef, and MasterChef: The Professionals, which spawned countless international spin-offs.
Fans have already flooded social media with mixed reactions. Many expressed disappointment that such an established figure could face such an allegation, while others praised the BBC for holding everyone to the same standard regardless of status.
It remains to be seen who will replace Torode on the judging panel when MasterChef returns to screens next year.
