Why was John Torode sacked from MasterChef? Insider reveals shocking details 

John Torode, the co-host of BBC's MasterChef, has been recently fired from the series after an independent investigation found he used a racist slur on-set in 2018. The BBC and the production company Banijay UK will not be renewing John Torode's contract. Torode denies the allegation and said he has no memory of the interaction.

The reports by The Guardian state that, as per BBC and Banijay, the inquiry was first looking into serious complaints about John Torode's former on-screen partner, Gregg Wallace. While investigating Wallace, they uncovered a complaint against Torode, too. The report says Torode used “an extremely offensive racist term” in 2018 toward a staff member on set. Torode says he does not remember saying this. He claims any mention of the slur was unintentional and that if he did use it, he apologized at the time.

John Torode has worked on MasterChef since 2005 and has been a staple of the show. His removal follows that of Gregg Wallace, who was found to have faced 45 complaints over nearly 20 years, including inappropriate language and behavior. Wallace was fired earlier in July, and then Torode’s contract was ended mid-month after the investigative report was released.

Investigation and allegations on John Torode

As per AP News, the probe into MasterChef hosts was conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, hired by Banijay. It found many claims were valid. For Wallace, 45 of 83 complaints were upheld, including sexual or racist language and unwelcome touching.

For John Torode, the investigation confirmed one serious allegation. It said he used a racist term in the workplace in 2018. Banijay UK and the BBC saw this as very serious. Hence, they chose not to renew his contract.

When Torode went on the public record saying he had no recollection of any such incident, it was also noted he told The Guardian he never utilizes racist terminology and affirmed that he was stunned by the investigation findings. He took note of the fact that the investigation could not even provide a date for the incident.

Reports by The Sun state that earlier stories in the media noted it first came to light during the investigation into Wallace, when another person mentioned hearing Torode use the slur during a social moment in 2018 or 2019. Torode mentioned that he said sorry right away if the word was used and that the person involved was not offended.

Despite his denial, the BBC said it has zero tolerance for racist language and required action from Banijay UK. A BBC spokesperson said the allegation was upheld by the independent report, and Torode will not return to the program.

What happens next?

John Torode's exit leaves MasterChef searching for new hosts. Reports suggest BBC may pair Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver as the next main hosts. Grace Dent, who worked with Torode on the celebrity version, may stay on.

The reports by AP News stated that BBC director-general Tim Davie said the show is bigger than any one person. He stressed that future hosts must follow BBC values. He also said the slur used was very serious and unacceptable. There is still an unaired series featuring Torode and Wallace. The BBC will decide whether to air it. They are considering the contestants' hard work and what is best for the show’s future.

Trending

John Torode posted on Instagram, saying he is sad that things ended this way. He said he loved working on the show, and it is time for "someone else to take the cutlery." He said he hopes fans will enjoy it, even without him.

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