John Torode has been dismissed as MasterChef host after an allegation against him for using an extremely offensive racial term was confirmed.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, the TV chef said he had no recollection of the allegations and hoped to have a say in his departure.
Hours earlier, production company Banijay announced they had agreed not to renew his contract with the show.
This plunged the cooking show into even greater crisis, with Latest uk news CEO Tim Davie stating that no decision has yet been made about this year’s MasterChef season.
The controversy surrounding MasterChef began last year when Latest uk news first revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments against Torode’s co-host, Gregg Wallace.
Wallace was dismissed last week after dozens of people contacted ukmediahub News with allegations against him. Wallace has consistently denied them.
On Monday, more than 40 allegations against Wallace were confirmed as part of an investigation into his conduct.
Gregg Wallace has been fired, while 50 other people are filing complaints.
John Torode says the accusation of racist language is substantiated.
Wallace apologizes after 45 allegations against him are substantiated.
Davie described the accusation against Torode in an interview with UK Media News on Tuesday afternoon as “a serious and unacceptable racist term.”
“It’s very important that we take this seriously,” he said. “We’ve put a stop to it.”
In his statement Tuesday, Torode stated: “Although I have not heard from anyone on the show or at Banijay, I see and read that I have been ‘fired’ from MasterChef.
“I repeat, I have no recollection of what I am accused of.” The investigation could not even identify the date or year in which he allegedly said anything incorrect.
He said that Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his last job.
“Personally, Latest uk news I enjoyed every minute of my work on MasterChef, but it is time to hand over the title to someone else.”
“An extremely offensive racist term”
A spokesperson stated: “John Torode has indicated that he has been accused of using racist language.
“This allegation, relating to the use of an extremely offensive racist term in the workplace, has been investigated and corroborated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin.
“John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated that he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe it occurred. He also states that racist language is completely unacceptable in any context.
“We take this finding very seriously.” We do not tolerate any form of racist abuse and, as we stated, we have informed Banijay London News, the creators of MasterChef, that they must take action. John Torode’s contract with MasterChef will not be renewed.
Davie declined to reveal Tuesday afternoon what would happen to the unreleased series of MasterChef, which has already been filmed and in which both Wallace and Torode participate.
Those amateur chefs have given a lot to participate; it means a lot; it can be a huge step forward if you make it through the show.
So I want to discuss it with the team and make a decision, which we will communicate in due course.
He also admitted that the last few weeks, marked by other controversies, such as Bob Vylan’s appearance at Glastonbury, had been very difficult and that he felt pressure.
On Tuesday morning, Davie told a press conference that MasterChef definitely has a future, adding that it’s much bigger than just individuals.
