Gregg Wallace has shared an apology video after making inappropriate remarks in a previous defence on his Instagram.
Last week, Wallace stepped down from his role as MasterChef co-judge after an investigation was launched to look into historical misconduct allegations. Multiple individuals — including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011 — have complained about Wallace's alleged sexually harassing behaviour.
The presenter's lawyers were quoted by BBC News to dismiss the claims as "false". After exiting MasterChef, Wallace took to his social media to suggest accusations of misconduct came from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age". His comments were slammed as "inappropriate and misogynistic" by a UK government spokesperson.
In the wake of his original defence, Wallace recorded a video on his Instagram Stories today (December 2), apologising and explaining he would take some time out.
"I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people," he says in the clip.
"I wasn't in a good headspace when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion.
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"I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday when I posted it."
He added: "It's obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway.
"I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology."
Both Banijay UK, which produced MasterChef, and the BBC have released statements reiterating a zero tolerance policy for harassing behaviour and announcing an investigation would take place.
While Wallace is no longer on judging duties on MasterChef, his pre-recorded episodes of spin-off MasterChef: The Professionals will still air.
Digital Spy reached out to Wallace's representatives for comment when the investigation was first announced but didn't hear back.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
