Scottish Broadcaster Aasmah Mir has revealed that she can no longer watch MasterChef due to alleged inappropriate comments made by presenter Gregg Wallace. Mir, aged 53, is among several women who have spoken out against Wallace amidst complaints of misconduct reported to the BBC. The production company Banijay UK confirmed that complaints about Wallace’s behaviour have been received, leading to his temporary step back from hosting the popular cooking show pending a review.
Mir, who hails from Glasgow, recounted her experience with Wallace during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef’s 12th series. She mentioned an incident where Wallace made a sexist comment towards her in front of other contestants and the crew. This experience left her so shaken that she has avoided watching the show since. Mir also shared that she had heard Wallace making inappropriate remarks towards other female celebrities on the show, further dampening her experience.
Despite raising concerns with BBC executives and producers in 2017, Wallace’s alleged behaviour reportedly continued until his recent hiatus from the show. Mir expressed disappointment in the lack of action taken against Wallace, attributing it to his perceived importance to the BBC due to his unique selling point. The presenter has faced previous warnings about his conduct, with other celebrities, including presenter Kirsty Wark and singer Rod Stewart, also speaking out against his behaviour.
Wallace has denied the allegations against him, stating that the complaints stem from a select group of individuals. The situation has sparked a conversation around workplace behaviour and accountability in the media industry, with Mir’s voice adding to the growing chorus of women speaking out against inappropriate conduct.
In summary, Aasmah Mir’s account sheds light on the importance of addressing misconduct in the workplace and the need for accountability even among prominent figures in the media industry. Mir’s decision to speak out against Wallace’s alleged behaviour highlights the impact such actions can have on individuals and underscores the significance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for all.