Gregg Wallace has initiated a legal battle in the High Court against the BBC following his dismissal from the role of host on MasterChef due to a scandal involving accusations of misconduct.
Wallace has filed a lawsuit through the Media and Communications list at the High Court, claiming issues related to data protection. His legal action is against both the BBC and BBC Studios Distribution Limited.
A representative from the BBC stated: “As we have yet to receive formal notice of any legal actions, we are not in a position to make any comments at this time.”
It has been reported by Deadline that Wallace feels he has been discriminated against due to his disability, following a diagnosis of autism. Experts on neurodiversity have advised Wallace that his condition makes it difficult for him to recognize social boundaries.
The 60-year-old former presenter has hired Lawrence Power from Whitestone Chambers to represent him in his legal fight. Previously, Dan Morrison, a partner at Grosvenor Law, was his legal representative.
A report commissioned by Banijay and conducted by Lewis Silkin found nearly 50 substantiated complaints against Wallace, rendering his role as untenable.
The bulk of these validated complaints were centered around Wallace’s use of sexually inappropriate language and humor. Additionally, there were a few other complaints regarding inappropriate language and instances where he was found in various states of undress. The report also confirmed one instance of unwelcome physical contact.
Wallace has admitted to using “inappropriate language” from 2005 to 2018, although he has refuted the more severe accusations against him.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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