Getty Images
MasterChef presenter John Torode has said he is subject to an allegation of using racist language, upheld as part of an inquiry into separate allegations against co-host Gregg Wallace.
In an Instagram post on Monday, the Torode said the allegation was that he made the remarks in 2018 or 2019 and that he had apologised immediately afterwards.
However, the TV chef said he had "no recollection" of any of it, adding: "I do not believe that it happened."
It comes after an inquiry ordered by MasterChef's production company Banijay found that 45 allegations about Wallace's behaviour on the programme were upheld, for which he apologised.
Two standalone allegations made against other people were also upheld, including one for using racist language.
In his statement, Torode said: "Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
"For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
"I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence."
Reacting to separate allegations which were upheld against him earlier on Monday, Wallace said he was "deeply sorry for any distress" he had caused.
In a statement to PA news agency, he added that he "never set out to harm or humiliate".
In total, the report highlighted 83 allegations made against the TV presenter, with the majority of the substantiated claims relating to inappropriate sexual language and humour, but also culturally insensitive or racist comments.
Wallace's statement came after he was sacked from the programme last week Tuesday.
He stepped away from presenting MasterChef in November 2024 while the allegations were being investigated.
English (US) ·