John Torode is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after being axed from the beloved cooking show MasterChef. The Australian chef faces serious allegations concerning the use of an “extremely offensive racist term,” which has left fans and the media buzzing. Torode claims he has “no recollection” of the incident and expressed shock at learning about his termination via public announcement rather than direct communication.
Sources close to the father of three reveal he’s not going down without a fight. Torode is reportedly consulting employment lawyers to potentially take legal action against the BBC for unfair dismissal. Insiders tell the Mirror, “John wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. He insists there’s no proof of his supposed comment—it’s merely hearsay.”
At 59, Torode’s journey on the show has come to an abrupt halt, mirroring the situation of his co-host Gregg Wallace. Allegations against Torode include the use of racist language, which has been emphasized in an independent report by lawyers Lewis Silkin. The complaint reportedly dates back to 2018, but Torode stands firm, stating, “I do not believe that it happened.”
The controversy only escalates when considering that 45 out of 83 claims against Wallace, who is 60, were upheld, which includes serious accusations of unwanted physical contact and inappropriate remarks.
According to close sources, the move to dismiss Torode took the BBC by surprise. “He’s a tough-talking Aussie and doesn’t stand on ceremony,” they revealed. “The BBC didn’t expect him to make a statement about the comment.” Meanwhile, the production company, Banijay UK, stated they had discussions about Torode’s dismissal with both him and the BBC before deciding not to renew his contract.
In a poignant statement released shortly after the news broke, Torode aired his grievances publicl“Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I am seeing and reading I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef. I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The inquiry couldn’t even specify the date or year of when I’m meant to have said something wrong.”
With recent filming of Celebrity MasterChef alongside food critic Grace Dent, Torode’s time on the show is now officially over. “I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else,” he shared.
BBC Director General Tim Davie has addressed the situation firmly, calling the allegations against Torode “a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape, or form.” The BBC seems keen on drawing a decisive line in the sand as they navigate this controversial chapter.