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John Tarode

John Tarode

John Torode has been sacked as MasterChef presenter after an allegation against him using "an extremely offensive racist term" was upheld. 

In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, the TV chef said he had "no recollection" of what he is accused of, and said he had hoped to have some say in his exit. 

Earlier in the day, the show's production company Banijay said it and the BBC "are agreed" that his contract on the show will not be renewed. 

Speaking to BBC News on Tuesday afternoon, Davie described the allegation against Torode as "a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form". 

"It's really important we are taking this seriously," he said. "We've drawn a line in the sand." 

In his statement on Tuesday, external, Torode said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been "sacked" from MasterChef. 

"I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong." 

He said Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his last. 

"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else." 

A BBC spokesperson said: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 

"This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. 

"John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 

"The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed." 

Source BBC

15 July 2025                                          

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