New allegations against Gregg Wallace – Just the tip of the iceberg?

Allegations against Gregg Wallace initially came to the public’s attention when the BBC reported that on 28th November 2024, they had written to Wallace’s representatives to set out allegations made by 13 people, regarding inappropriate sexual comments Wallace allegedly made over a period of 17 years and across 5 different programmes.

One of the 13 individuals included broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who alleges Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during the filming of Celebrity MasterChef when she was a contestant in 2011.

Wark told BBC news, "There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic." 

The response from Wallace’s Lawyers was to deny that he had engaged in any behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

Wallace even took it upon himself to post a video on his Instagram page on 1st December 2024, stating that the allegations relating to his behaviour had come from a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.

Wallace’s Instagram video did little to help his situation, and caused an immediate backlash, even prompting a response from the UK Government, with a Government spokesperson describing Wallace’s remarks in his Instagram video as “inappropriate and misogynistic”.

Wallace later apologised for his video reply and has stepped back from his role presenting MasterChef, whilst an investigation into the allegations takes place.

However, on Tuesday 3rd December 2024, it has been reported that three further individuals have come forward with allegations against Wallace, with two of those individuals accusing Wallace of inappropriate touching.

One individual who worked with Wallace in 2015 on the BBC show ‘Eat Well for Less’ has described an incident in a supermarket whilst filming, where she alleges Wallace brushed past her at the checkout, and touched her bum with his waist and penis and laughed and said “oooh you liked that didn’t you”. 

The individual commented "But I wasn’t ok about it. When I finished the shoot, I felt it was slimy, disgusting. He just didn’t need to touch my body, it made me uncomfortable."

"In hindsight, now, I would’ve escalated it further, as a stronger independent woman in television. But when you’re working your way up, your voice isn’t heard, you don’t feel like you can take on a powerful person."

Another individual who worked with Wallace in 2015 on MasterChef states she was called to Wallace’s dressing room to fix his bow tie for an event. 

She alleges upon fastening his bow tie, she noticed his trousers were “partially lowered” exposed his pubic hair and the top part of his penis.

The individual alleges during the incident Wallace just starred at her with no apology offered and which to her felt like “a power play”. 

The third individual alleges in 2022 whilst working at an event with Wallace, she was pulled into a group hug with Wallace and other members of his group, during which time Wallace put his hand on her bottom and groped her, stating, ‘It made me feel gross, it was horrible."

Further allegations were made against Wallace on Thursday 4th December by Shannon Kyle, who was Wallace’s Ghostwriter for his 2012 autobiography, who alleges Wallace sexually harassed her and inappropriately touched her.

Whilst working on his book, Kyle alleges she went to a meeting at his home and Wallace opened his door to her wearing only a towel.  Kyle states she told him to put some clothes on and sat down on his couch to wait for him to return.  Kyle alleges Wallace returned still wearing only his towel, which he proceeded to drop to the floor, exposing himself to her.

Kyle stated, ‘I felt quite vulnerable because I’m on my own in a flat with a man.  He’s naked.”

Kyle further alleges on separate occasions Wallace touched her inappropriately on her thigh and bum, describing his behaviour as “predatory”.

Kyle had signed a non-disclosure agreement (‘NDA’) before committing to writing Wallace’s autobiography and told BBC’s Newsnight that she was worried about losing her job and claims she had to just push on through and try to navigate the situation whilst stating “It was just really revolting.”

One common theme which seems prevalent in the new allegations against Wallace, and which is a common scenario played out in many abuse claims, is that an alleged abuser is a person in a position of power and that they exploit their position to carry out the abuse, with a survivor feeling helpless to challenge the abuser or to take any action to prevent the abuse or report it.

Wallace is yet to comment on the latest allegations; however, one former MasterChef contestant has told Sky News that they were also made to sign an NDA, and that the current allegations against Wallace are just the “tip of the iceberg” and that they had been too scared to come forward previously due to the NDA.

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of abuse.

If you have experienced any physical or sexual abuse and you would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.