John Barrowman has weighed in on the controversy surrounding celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo,
claiming that television producers played a significant role in shaping his public persona by encouraging certain behaviors.
The 57-year-old actor suggested that segments
such as Gino cooking naked apart from an apron on This Morning in 2011 were likely the result of production decisions rather than the chef’s own initiative.
Producers’ Influence on On-Screen Behavior
Barrowman alleged that television executives often push celebrities to adopt particular on-screen personas to fit entertainment narratives.
He pointed to Gino’s now-infamous 2011 cooking segment as an example, stating, “Now he didn’t decide to do that. Production asked him to do it. So they’re sexualising him in the same way as when I was on camera, and they would do something like, ‘You’ve got to be naked. You’ve got to do this.’”
The Torchwood star believes there is a pattern where media companies foster a relaxed, humorous atmosphere and later distance themselves when public perception shifts. “They are the ones who set that tone, and then suddenly, they pretend they had no part in it,” he added.
Barrowman’s Own Career Struggles
The actor, who has faced allegations of inappropriate behavior in the past, also revealed that he has no projects lined up due to what he calls “false allegations.” He lamented his current situation, saying, “No, you won’t see me. Nothing lies ahead for me because of all the c**p that was said about me, which is not true.”
Barrowman’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Gino D’Acampo, who is currently facing allegations of sexually inappropriate and intimidating behavior spanning a 12-year period—claims which he has vehemently denied.
Richard Osman Weighs In on Gino’s Scandal
As the controversy around Gino continues to unfold, presenter Richard Osman also addressed the situation on his podcast, The Rest Is Entertainment. While not naming Gino directly, Osman stated, “People do not lose their job because they said a couple of things a couple of times. It’s a pattern of behaviors that upsets a number of people over a number of years.”
He suggested that television networks typically only take action when there is a consistent history of problematic behavior, rather than isolated incidents.
Mounting Allegations Against Gino D’Acampo
Reports suggest that Gino is facing over 40 accusations of inappropriate behavior, with complaints dating as far back as 2012. One woman claimed that her 2018 complaints about Gino were ignored by ITV, while This Morning staff allegedly raised concerns about him a decade ago.
ITV has since responded to the allegations, stating: “Where a complaint is made to ITV or serious concerns are raised, we will look into it, and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action.”
Amid the scandal, Coronation Street actress Vicky Entwistle publicly defended Gino, criticizing ITV for what she described as hypocrisy. She argued that the network capitalized on his “cheeky, naughty, foreign, hilarious” persona for years before suddenly turning against him.
ITV Under Pressure to Explain Their Response
In the wake of the allegations, ITV has faced growing criticism over how they handled concerns about Gino’s behavior. Some staff members have claimed that he was protected due to his popularity and financial value to the network.
An investigation by ITV News uncovered numerous complaints from crew members who worked with Gino, with some describing his alleged actions as “distressing,” “unacceptable,” and even “horrendous.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Charlotte Proudman, the founder of Right to Equality, has called out ITV for continuing to stream Gino’s shows on ITVX despite the ongoing controversy. She argued, “This sends a damaging message to victims and the wider industry: that commercial interests outweigh accountability.”
Gino D’Acampo’s Response to the Allegations
Gino has strongly denied all allegations, calling them “deeply upsetting.” In a statement, he said: “I have been told by ITN News that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago. I have never been made aware of these matters previously, and the allegations are firmly denied.”
He insisted that the accusations are inconsistent with his character, adding: “I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature.”
Despite Gino’s denial, ITV has reportedly severed ties with him, pulling his shows from their schedules. However, some of his programs remain available for streaming, leading to continued calls for the broadcaster to take further action.
Final Thoughts
As the controversy surrounding Gino D’Acampo continues to develop, John Barrowman’s comments highlight a broader conversation about the role of television producers in shaping public personas. Whether Gino’s career will recover from these allegations remains uncertain, but the case has undoubtedly intensified scrutiny on the entertainment industry’s handling of misconduct claims.
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