Gregg Wallace axed by BBC over MasterChef inappropriate comments as he breaks silence

Gregg Wallace has been axed by the BBC after a nearly year-long investigation into misconduct claims. The MasterChef star hit the headlines in December when he was accused of makinginappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period.

The former greengrocer, 60, has put out a statement on Instagram today, saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him, after reportedly being informed of his dismissal from the BBC by production company, Banijay.

In a statement on Instagram today, Gregg wrote: "I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report - a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.

"The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation."

The lengthy statement then accuses the BBC of "peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories, as Gregg continues: "To be clear, the Silkin's Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks."

The Silkins report is officially due out on Thursday, but the dad-of-three's legal team have been given an early steer, according to insiders.

A source told The Sun: "Gregg is both furious and devastated about how things have played out.

"His team have seen the report and believe he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so he has taken great consolation from that.

"Whilst he is not excusing his inappropriate comments and innuendos - some of which he has been found against - on his recent autism diagnosis, this has been a mitigating factor.

"He has also been cleared of some of the higher profile allegations, including those brought on by Penny Lancaster and Kirsty Wark, but the BBC has made it clear there is no way back for him. He is devastated."

A series of complaints were made about the MasterChef last year, including 'inappropriate behaviour' and allegations of touching an assistant's bottom on the BBC show.

Gregg stepped down from the show after denyingthe allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying Gregg engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Gregg insisted via his legal team: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."

A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: "Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published."

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