BBC flooded with furious complaints over Gregg Wallace coverage

The BBC is under fire after facing a barrage of complaints (Image: BBC)

The BBC is under fire after facing a barrage of complaints over its extensive and relentless coverage of allegations against disgraced TV star Gregg Wallace.

The claims, which include “allegations of inappropriate behaviour and sexual misconduct” across “several different programmes over a period of years,” have sparked a firestorm of controversy, not just for Wallace himself but also for the broadcaster’s editorial decisions.

The BBC’s investigation has not only scrutinised the MasterChef frontman's alleged actions but also the wider implications for “workplace culture, safeguarding procedures, and the power of celebrity”.

Viewers, however, are increasingly outraged at what they see as excessive and disproportionate reporting on the issue. Many believe the BBC’s focus on the now infamous telly chef has been blown out of proportion, pushing other crucial topics to the sidelines.

Despite the backlash, the BBC has firmly defended its editorial choices, stating: “BBC News reports independently and impartially on stories related to the BBC in the same way we would any other organisation. It is in this context that we carried out our investigation into Mr Wallace’s conduct and have detailed its findings and the subsequent allegations that have been made.”

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Gregg's days on MasterChef are likely numbered (Image: BBC)

The investigation delved into “the implications for the BBC” and how both the broadcaster and Banijay, the production company responsible for MasterChef, handled previous complaints about Wallace’s behaviour.

The controversy escalated further when the BBC made the decision to “pull the Christmas episodes of MasterChef having originally said they wouldn’t do so”.

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The abrupt reversal only added to public frustration, with many accusing the broadcaster of mishandling the situation and failing to be transparent about their reasoning.

Matters intensified when married Wallace, 60, released a video on social media in which he blamed the allegations on “middle-class women of a certain age”. His comments provoked a strong reaction, including criticism from BECTU and Number 10, as both the public and officials condemned the remark.

Although Wallace later issued an apology, the damage had already been done, and the incident became yet another focal point of the BBC’s reporting.

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Responding to the complaints, the BBC insisted: “We believe our reporting of this story has been proportionate, reflecting the importance of the issues at hand. The figures for our online coverage suggest there is a significant audience interest in this story.”

However, critics remain unconvinced. Many argue that the BBC has given the food critic’s scandal too much attention at the expense of more pressing stories. The Beeb further defended itself by pointing to their coverage of major international events: “We realise not everyone will agree with the stories we decide to cover or the prominence we give them.

"We have of course continued to cover several other stories of national and international importance, including the situations in South Korea, Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan.”

BBC flooded with furious complaints over Gregg Wallace coverage

BBC flooded with furious complaints over Gregg Wallace coverage

BBC flooded with furious complaints over Gregg Wallace coverage

BBC flooded with furious complaints over Gregg Wallace coverage

BBC flooded with furious complaints over Gregg Wallace coverage