Introduction to MasterChef Controversy
The chef and television personality, Matt Tebbutt, will replace Gregg Wallace as a judge in the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals, the BBC confirmed. Tebbutt, the host of Saturday Kitchen, will join Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti in the program. He said it was "an absolute honor" to work alongside "two titans in the food world".
The Reason Behind the Replacement
Tebbutt replaces Wallace, who was released in July after a report confirmed 45 allegations about his behavior on the program, including unwanted physical contact and three of a sexual nature. The examination was carried out by an independent law firm after a BBC News investigation first revealed the claims of inappropriate sexual comments.
Wallace’s Response to the Allegations
Wallace said he was "deeply sorry for any distress" he caused, but that he "never meant to harm or humiliate". The report also confirmed a separate claim that he used a highly offensive racist term against John Torode, co-host of MasterChef, who does not present MasterChef: The Professionals in the spin-off series. Both hosts have been released, and the BBC has not yet announced who will replace them in the main amateur series of the show.
Tebbutt’s New Role
Tebbutt, who has many years of experience in the restaurant industry and regularly contributes to food and travel magazines, was seen as a potential replacement. He commented on his new role in the spin-off and was looking forward to his co-judges "taking me under their wings and bringing the chefs to a flying start in the competition". Wareing said Tebbutt’s experience "speaks for itself", while Galetti said it was "really exciting" to have him join the show.
The Controversy Surrounding MasterChef
The controversy around MasterChef began last year when claims against Wallace were first unveiled. The show’s production company set up an immediate investigation into the allegations. This summer, the report showed that 83 claims against Wallace had been raised, with more than 40 confirmed claims. Thereafter, Wallace gave an explanation to the PA news agency in which "none of the serious allegations against me was confirmed". He apologized for any unwanted touch but said he had to accept a difference in perception.
Torode’s Involvement in the Controversy
The confirmed complaint against Torode involved a highly offensive racist term, which was allegedly used in 2018 on the set of MasterChef. Torode said he "has no memory" of the incident and that any racist language was "completely unacceptable". The BBC decided to postpone this year’s amateur series of MasterChef – which featured Wallace and Torode – for the chefs who had participated. Wallace was replaced by the Irish chef Anna Haegh in the last episodes, since the allegations against him first appeared during filming in November.
The Future of MasterChef
The BBC has not yet announced what they will do with the completed celebrity series and the Christmas special – which were shot with Torode and restaurant critic Grace Dent. The transfer date for MasterChef: The Professionals has not yet been confirmed. Tebbutt, Wareing, and Galetti will lead the next series of the show, which is expected to air soon.
