Longtime Presenter Exits As Inquiry Substantiates Racial Language Claim
John Torode has been removed from MasterChef after an allegation that he used “an extremely offensive racist term” was upheld. The independent investigation, commissioned by the BBC and Banijay UK, substantiated the complaint as part of a broader review into the workplace culture on the long-running cooking competition.
Torode confirmed the decision in an Instagram statement on Tuesday, where he expressed confusion over the allegation. “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef,” he said. “I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”
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Independent Inquiry Confirms Use Of Racist Term
A BBC spokesperson said the allegation involved “an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace.” The claim was upheld after an external investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin.
“John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him,” the BBC said. “This allegation… was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation.”
The spokesperson confirmed Torode denies the incident occurred. “He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened.” However, the BBC said the finding was serious and confirmed his contract would not be renewed.
Statement From BBC Director-General Tim Davie
BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed the matter publicly on Tuesday afternoon. “It’s a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form,” he said. “It’s really important we are taking this seriously. We’ve drawn a line in the sand.”
Davie declined to comment on whether the pre-recorded 2025 season of MasterChef would be broadcast. “Those amateur chefs gave a lot to take part, it means a lot,” he said. “It can be an enormous break if you come through the show.”
Torode Responds To Findings And Reflects On Exit
Torode revealed the allegation was linked to a conversation in 2018 or 2019. He said the inquiry could not specify a date or exact setting. “The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong,” he said.
He also shared the context as he understood it. “The person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.”
He maintained that racial language has no place in any environment. “I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment,” he wrote. “I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
Torode also confirmed that his final appearances on Celebrity MasterChef, recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his last.
“Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else,” he wrote.
Gregg Wallace Investigation Preceded Torode Revelation
The broader investigation began in 2023 after BBC News revealed claims of inappropriate sexual language against co-host Gregg Wallace. Wallace was removed from the show last week after the inquiry upheld more than 40 allegations.
On Monday, BBC News reported the number of upheld claims against Wallace had grown to 45. That same day, Torode revealed he was also subject to an upheld allegation, linked to the same inquiry.
Wallace has denied all claims. He stepped back from MasterChef in November 2023 when the investigation commenced. Banijay UK immediately launched a formal review into the show’s workplace environment.
BBC Says Masterchef Will Continue
Despite the departures of both long-serving hosts, the BBC insists the MasterChef brand will continue. “MasterChef absolutely has a future,” Davie said at a press conference earlier Tuesday. “It’s much bigger than individuals.”
Davie said recent controversies, including the inquiry and criticism over BBC coverage at Glastonbury, had created a difficult climate for the organisation. “It’s been a very tough time,” he said. “I’ve felt pressure.”
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End Of A Two-Decade Partnership
MasterChef has a co-host in John Torode, who is an Australian and has been part of the show since its reopening in 2005 along with Wallace. They cooperated and made the format one of the most successful culinary franchises within the BBC and gave rise to spin-offs like Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
In light of the removal of Torode and Wallace from all the related programming, the BBC is now in the position to decide where the brand is going next. Both of them appear in the following season of MasterChef, which has already been recorded.
No decision has yet been made about whether the completed season will be aired. The BBC has indicated it will reflect before making a final announcement.
Ongoing Fallout Expected In Coming Weeks
The fallout from the inquiry continues to shape the BBC’s public image. More updates are expected as the network decides how to manage the broadcast future of its top-rating cooking series.
