John Torode has broken his silence after being sacked from Masterchef, following an allegation of using racist language that was upheld in a review into the behaviour of co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
The BBC confirmed the presenter had been dismissed in a statement, saying his contract had not been renewed.
Torode, 59, confirmed he was the subject of the allegation of using racist language in a statement on Monday.
The report, commissioned by MasterChef production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.
In a post on Instagram, Torode confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment,” he said.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening, saying: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.
“The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.
“I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that.”
Torode said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed “will be my last”. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows.
He went on: “Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.
“I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
“This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.
“John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously.
“We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken.
“John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."
It comes after Wallace said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of the report, which included one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact” that was upheld.
In November 2024, the show’s production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
