There have been numerous allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Gregg Wallace, primarily regarding sexualized comments and actions, spanning a 19-year period
. These allegations were investigated by the production company Banijay UK, and in July 2025, a report substantiated 45 out of 83 claims made against him, including unwanted physical contact and being in a state of undress on three occasions. As a result of these findings, Wallace was sacked from his role on MasterChef, and the BBC has stated they have no plans to work with him in the future. He has offered an apology for his actions, stating he is "deeply sorry for any distress" caused and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate". However, his initial response to the allegations, where he suggested the complaints came from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age", drew strong criticism and was described as "inappropriate and misogynistic" by Downing Street.
While the public reaction to these events has been varied, with some expressing strong condemnation of his actions and others offering support, it is not appropriate to advocate for public pillorying or any form of physical punishment. However, the case has sparked wider discussions about workplace behaviour and the need to address harassment and bullying within the creative industries. The BBC and Banijay have been criticized for their handling of past complaints, with some reports suggesting a culture of silence may have prevailed.
Instead of public pillorying, which is a historically outdated and barbaric form of punishment, the focus should remain on accountability, ensuring proper investigation of such claims, and creating a safe and respectful work environment for all individuals within the media industry