Gregg Wallace has taken to social media to address what he describes as cruel attacks from people who haven’t read the investigation report that led to his departure from MasterChef.
In a new video, the 60-year-old former presenter expressed frustration at being accused of “all sorts of things that simply are not true” by critics unfamiliar with the actual findings.
Wallace acknowledged the harsh nature of online discourse, stating: “Social media can be really cruel, really angry, really rude. But we all know this, right?”
He revealed he faces daily battles with strangers who attack him based on misconceptions about the investigation’s conclusions.
The video marks Wallace’s latest public statement since the BBC chose not to renew his contract following an inquiry that substantiated 45 allegations against him.
Wallace disclosed receiving an autism diagnosis in January at age 60, which he says has become another target for online critics who accuse him of fabricating the condition. “I get attacked by people that somehow think I’m making it up,” he said in the video.
The former television host also defended his recent qualification as a personal trainer, which has similarly drawn scepticism from social media users questioning its legitimacy.
“During this time, I’ve worked hard and got myself qualified as a pet, and I get attacked on that where people think somehow it’s not true,” Wallace explained.
He urged his critics to consider their words’ impact, saying: “Before you say something cruel, before you say something angry. And also please try and do a little bit of research before you get angry over something that isn’t true.”
Despite expressing gratitude towards supporters who send “kind messages and messages of support,” Wallace has previously described the emotional toll of media coverage.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
‘Mate, we’ll miss you!’ Eamonn Holmes pays heartfelt tribute to close friend James WhaleBBC Only Connect fans distracted by wardrobe blunder as they suggest: ‘Should have a policy!’BBC The Repair Shop star Jay Blades charged with two counts of rape a year after leaving show
In an interview with The Sun last month, he became tearful whilst discussing comparisons to convicted sex offenders, stating: “I have seen myself written about in the same sentence as Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards, paedophiles and sex offenders. That is just so, so horrific.”
The impact has affected his public life, with Wallace revealing he now ventures out wearing “a baseball cap and sunglasses” as a disguise. “I don’t want people to see me. I’m scared,” he told the newspaper.
Wallace explained his decision to maintain a public presence stemmed from financial necessity, saying he “still wants to earn a living” and had decided with his family that remaining visible was essential for his work.
The investigation into Wallace’s conduct upheld 45 out of 83 complaints, with allegations spanning inappropriate sexual language, humour, and one instance of unwelcome physical contact.
The inquiry, commissioned by production company Banijay UK, led to both Wallace and co-presenter John Torode losing their positions on the programme.
Following his departure from television, Wallace has actively promoted his health and fitness ventures.
He recently offered personal training services at £200 monthly and has been photographed performing squats outside a gym at 5:50am, demonstrating exercises on social media.
Wallace has maintained that his television career is “done” but continues building his wellness business. The BBC announced it would broadcast the 2025 amateur series of MasterChef, filmed before the allegations were substantiated, though presenters’ screen time will be minimised.