Gregg Wallace has initiated proceedings against the BBC, lodging a data protection claim with the High Court. Court documents confirm the filing, though specific details remain undisclosed.
The legal challenge emerges several months following his departure from cooking competition MasterChef, which he fronted for two decades.
Mr Wallace’s removal came after an independent inquiry validated numerous allegations regarding his conduct.
The 60-year-old’s lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the dispute that began when he stepped down from the programme last year. An external review had been examining historical allegations of sexual misconduct at that time.
The corporation are understood to have stated they had not received formal notification of proceedings and could not provide comment at this stage.
The independent MasterChef investigation, conducted by an external law firm on behalf of production company Banijay, examined 83 separate claims against the presenter. Of these, 45 allegations were substantiated.
The verified complaints included one instance of unwelcome physical contact and three occasions where Wallace was allegedly in a state of undress.
Multiple examples of inappropriate sexual remarks, humour and culturally insensitive comments were also confirmed.
Accusations against him encompassed making inappropriate sexual jokes and lewd comments whilst filming.
He was also alleged to have requested phone numbers from female production staff members and stood too close to women working on his programmes.
The inquiry’s findings led to his removal from the programme earlier this summer, ending his long-standing partnership with co-presenter John Torode.
Wallace responded to the findings by expressing regret for any distress caused, stating it was “never intended.” He acknowledged what he termed a “difference in perception” regarding the single case of unwanted touching.
The presenter maintained that the most serious accusations against him had not been substantiated by the investigation. He offered an apology whilst disputing some aspects of the report’s conclusions.
The inquiry also determined that Wallace’s co-host John Torode had used an offensive racial slur during filming.
Mr Torode stated he had no recollection of the incident when confronted with the finding.
Both presenters were subsequently dismissed from their roles, with the BBC later choosing to broadcast the final series they had already recorded.
Director General Tim Davie explained to MPs that most contestants wished for the episodes to air.
The broadcaster has announced new hosts for the programme, with food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh taking over presenting duties.
Mr Davie emphasised to parliamentarians that the dismissals had “very significant” consequences for both former presenters. Neither remains employed by the corporation following the investigation’s conclusions.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Gregg Wallace breaks silence after investigation substantiated 45 complaints against him: ‘I won’t be the last’Gregg Wallace axed from MasterChef as 50 people come forward with fresh allegationsGregg Wallace insists ‘I’m no sex pest’ as he apologises over BBC MasterChef scandal
The BBC’s decision to continue broadcasting pre-recorded episodes featuring Wallace and Torode proved controversial.
However, the Director General defended this choice, citing that the majority of participants wanted their appearances to be shown.
