John Torode Exits MasterChef Amid Racism Allegation Inquiry

John Torode, the Australian-born chef and long-time co-host of the BBC's MasterChef, will not return to the show following allegations of using racist language, which he has firmly denied. The decision comes after an investigation led by the legal firm Lewis Silkin substantiated claims of highly offensive remarks made by Torode in 2018, as reported by Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef.

The announcement was made on July 15, 2025, shortly after Torode's statement, where he expressed his disbelief regarding the incident. According to Banijay UK, the inquiry also upheld allegations against Torode's former co-presenter, Gregg Wallace, who was sacked last week. A company spokesperson emphasized the seriousness with which the allegations were treated, stating, "This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint."

The BBC has publicly stated it will not tolerate racist language in any form, highlighting the importance of maintaining a respectful workplace environment. A spokesperson for the BBC noted, "The allegation against Torode involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace."

In an Instagram post, Torode maintained that he has no recollection of the alleged incident and criticized the investigation for lacking specificity regarding the timeline of the purported comments. "I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The inquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong," he stated.

This development poses significant challenges for the BBC, particularly for the Director General, Tim Davie, as they navigate the implications of airing the currently completed 2025 series in which both Torode and Wallace prominently feature. Davie has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the show's future, stating, "One of my overwhelming concerns is that we’ve got all the amateur chefs that gave their heart and soul to this programme."

Experts in media ethics and workplace conduct have weighed in on the matter. Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of Media Studies at the University of London, stated, "This case underscores the growing accountability that public figures face regarding their behavior, particularly in the wake of a cultural shift toward zero tolerance for racism."

Conversely, some industry insiders believe that the decision to cut ties with Torode may have broader implications for the show's format and future. Mark Thompson, a media analyst at the Institute of Media Policy, commented, "The departure of a long-standing host could either rejuvenate the program or alienate its loyal audience. It will be crucial for the BBC to consider how they approach the next series."

The MasterChef franchise has been a staple of British television since its relaunch in 2005, with Torode and Wallace at the helm. The ongoing situation has prompted discussions about the show's direction and the standards of conduct expected of its presenters. Davie has suggested this could serve as a "reset" for the BBC, emphasizing the need to uphold the values the organization expects from all its employees.

As the BBC grapples with the fallout from these allegations, the future of MasterChef remains uncertain. The implications for the contestants who participated in the latest series are also significant, as they await clarity on whether their hard work will be showcased or overshadowed by these controversies. The BBC, Banijay UK, and the public await further developments as this situation unfolds.