Kirsty Wark, the renowned broadcaster, has expressed her relief and satisfaction for publicly speaking out about inappropriate behavior by MasterChef host Gregg Wallace,
following an ongoing investigation into his actions by the BBC.
Wark, who was among more than a dozen individuals to accuse Wallace of sexual misconduct,
said she was glad to have raised the issue, as the broadcaster faces increasing scrutiny over his behavior.
The scandal emerged after Wallace, 60, stepped down from his role as the MasterChef presenter last November amidst accusations spanning 17 years, from 2005 to 2022.
Wark, a former Newsnight presenter, was among the women who came forward,
recalling how Wallace made sexualized jokes and inappropriate comments in front of contestants and crew members during the filming of Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
In an exclusive interview, Wark spoke candidly about the situation, stating that she felt it was crucial to speak out, not only for herself but for others who may have been affected. She explained, “I’m glad I called it out. I did what I had to do. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but if it draws attention to the fact there are imbalances in the industry and sometimes they can be exploited, that’s very important.”
The BBC is currently investigating the allegations made by Wark and several others, which include claims that Wallace engaged in sexualized behavior, such as asking female staff members for massages, making lewd comments about his body, and even removing his shirt in front of female colleagues. Wallace has denied all allegations, with his legal team asserting that the claims against him are unfounded.
Wark, who retired from her long-running role as the host of Newsnight last year after three decades with the program, has faced some criticism for not speaking out sooner. However, she defended her decision, revealing that she had raised her concerns with a MasterChef producer at the time. She said, “What I am surprised about, or perhaps I’m not surprised, is how long it went on for afterwards.” Wark’s comments indicate that she had felt the need to address the issue in private at the time, but the long-standing nature of Wallace’s behavior shocked her.
The allegations against Wallace have continued to mount, with 13 people coming forward to accuse him of misconduct. In one instance, Wallace allegedly told a junior female colleague that he wasn’t wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. In another case, he is said to have commented on a female colleague’s appearance in a manner deemed inappropriate. These actions were reportedly carried out over an extended period, leading to questions about the BBC’s response to the complaints. Wallace had already been formally warned about his behavior in 2018 following similar allegations, but was allowed to continue working on MasterChef and other BBC productions.
In light of these revelations, many are questioning the BBC’s decision to allow Wallace to return to the screen after the warning. BBC executives had reportedly conducted an internal investigation into Wallace’s conduct in 2018 and found that “many aspects of [his] behavior were unacceptable and unprofessional.” Despite this, the presenter continued his work with the broadcaster, which has raised concerns about the handling of such serious allegations by the organization.
The scandal has also prompted additional public figures to weigh in. Recently, singer Rod Stewart criticized Wallace for allegedly humiliating his wife, Penny Lancaster, during her appearance on MasterChef. Wallace also stepped down from his role on Inside The Factory in 2023 after making inappropriate comments about weight during a conversation with female staff members at a factory in York.
Kirsty Wark’s decision to speak out has highlighted the need for greater accountability in the entertainment industry. Her courage in publicly addressing her experience with Wallace has helped bring attention to the broader issue of sexual misconduct in the workplace, a topic that continues to resonate across many sectors.
While the investigation into Wallace’s behavior is ongoing, Wark’s decision to speak out has sparked important discussions about power dynamics, sexual harassment, and the need for a more transparent and accountable industry. As the BBC investigates the allegations further, many are hoping that these revelations will lead to meaningful changes and greater protection for those working in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her career in broadcasting, Wark also mentioned that she has found herself increasingly recognized for her cameo role in Doctor Who rather than her long tenure at Newsnight. This amusing fact underscores how public perceptions can sometimes be shaped by unexpected appearances, but Wark remains steadfast in her mission to speak up for fairness and equality in all aspects of public life.
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