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BBC sacked MasterChef host John Torode after ‘using N-word twice while singing along to Kanye West song during after work drinks’

BBG News

Recent claims suggest that John Torode was dismissed from his position, following accusations of repeating a racially offensive term twice while singing to a Kanye West track.

It’s said that the host of MasterChef, aged 59, was singing the popular song “Gold Digger” by Kanye West. Reportedly, there were claims made about him using a racially insensitive term during social gatherings after work around six to seven years back.

As a devoted follower, I overheard that The Sun reportedly mentioned that Torode repeated a certain term during a casual conversation with a colleague from the MasterChef production team, and it seems they didn’t find it offensive.

As an individual deeply committed to inclusivity, I want to clarify that I genuinely have no memory of employing a racially insensitive term during a social gathering with my colleagues approximately seven years back, being an Australian-born chef at the time.

The person who raised the complaint is understood to have ‘overheard the conversation’.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share this intriguing tidbit. Apparently, the person behind the scenes in the production defended Torode, stating that he utilized a racial slur merely as an illustration and later extended an apology for any offense caused.

TopMob has contacted BBC and Torode’s representatives for comment. 

The witness informed investigators that he expressed his apologies promptly, felt deeply embarrassed (or mortified), and clarified that he didn’t intend to use the term disrespectfully or as an insult in 2018.

On Tuesday, the BBC announced that they will not be renewing Torode’s contract following a report revealing his use of a highly offensive racial slur during post-show socializing.

The company declined to disclose the specific racial slur involved – just like Torode, who asserted that he doubts such an incident actually transpired.

In simpler terms, Richard Osman recently referred to it as the most offensive racial slur. Regarding the investigation, he stated that they confirmed it to be factual, presenting evidence that supported this claim.

Last Thursday, The Times asserted that two individuals with close connections to the report accused Torode of employing a racial slur, specifically the N-word. Additionally, there’s been intense discussion on various online platforms over the past few days suggesting this is the offensive term he supposedly uttered.

Gordon Torode has stepped down from MasterChef following confirmation that accusations of using racist language were valid. Over a period of seven years, he was accused of nine instances of inappropriate behavior. The investigators found that two of the other eight allegations could not be verified and there was not enough evidence for the remaining six.

One source revealed to TopMob on Thursday that there was a sense of “relieved feelings” at MasterChef headquarters now that Torode has departed, as they found him difficult to work with at times.

A third source claimed they had found him to be a ‘very rude and patronising man’.

Torode was sacked after being accused of saying the ‘worst racial slur there is’

This week, following his dismissal, Torode expressed in a detailed Instagram post: ‘Though I haven’t received any communication from the BBC or Banijay, it seems I’ve been let go from MasterChef. I want to clarify that I have no memory of the allegations against me.’

It’s been alleged that both the BBC and Banijay requested Torode’s departure from MasterChef, attributing it to his mental health issues.

The BBC declined to comment on the claims.

According to a source, both the BBC and Banijay had contact with his representatives prior to the announcement made on Tuesday. It’s important to note that neither the BBC nor anyone else from their team asked him to resign or addressed any concerns about his mental health.

Richard Osman appears to know the racist term Torode was claimed to have used.

During a chat on the Rest Is Entertainment podcast with Marina Hyde, he expressed surprise when his sources learned that Torode wasn’t informed prior to the announcement of his dismissal.

‘What happened wasn’t an exaggeration of wokeness. He allegedly used the most offensive racial slur known, and it was verified as accurate. The evidence they found supported their conclusion. However, he claimed he couldn’t recall saying it. Regardless, this claim was upheld.’

‘An increased number of individuals will be disclosed. The BBC and Banijay are making their intentions public, sharing what they consider strong enough evidence to hold up in a court of law.’

In simpler terms, he stated, “If I were employed by Banijay, I wouldn’t feel at ease having that individual involved in a production I’m part of.

Osman asserted that Torode was given the option for a sabbatical year and additional training, essentially a second opportunity. However, he declined this offer. Consequently, he was let go from his position.

It appears they pulled John Torode aside for a discussion, during which they suggested that an incident occurred and he used certain words. However, he refuted their claims. They then offered him the option of taking a year off work, but with the condition that he completes a compulsory training course to ensure he understands and agrees with their desired workplace culture.

‘That was denied. He said of course not. I didn’t do it. Why would I do this’, Richard claimed.

Osman dismissed claims by Torode he wasn’t told by the BBC or Banijay that he was being sacked. 

He indicated that what I mentioned isn’t correct, as he had never heard it before.

Regarding the accusations made against him by the BBC suggesting he should stop blaming a mental health issue, Torode countered with: ‘I seldom encounter a stronger denial from all parties involved that such a conversation never transpired.’

It’s reported that Torode might initiate a lawsuit against the BBC following his dismissal from MasterChef.

According to reports, the chef is planning on filing a lawsuit against the BBC due to alleged unfair termination. He intends to take action against the higher-ups for this issue.

According to sources, the individual maintains that no evidence supports the claim about his alleged statement. He insists it wasn’t made during his professional duties; instead, it was merely rumor or gossip. Essentially, he aims to establish his innocence. [The Mirror reported this.]

However, taking such legal action might be challenging for Torode since reports suggest that his contract was with Banijay, not the BBC.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I find myself eagerly awaiting the anticipated final series of MasterChef, should news be true about its broadcast post-hiatus for Gregg Wallace and John Torode – two beloved figures in the culinary sphere who have graced our screens for years.

In the forthcoming series, previously recorded, you’ll find Grace Dent, a past contestant on I’m A Celeb and a restaurant critic, who has taken over from Wallace to share hosting duties alongside Torode.

According to The Sun, plans are underway for both the amateur and celebrity versions of a show produced by the BBC and Banijay to be broadcasted.

Yet, it’s clear that Tim Davie, the BBC director general with the ultimate authority, hasn’t announced his decision about whether MasterChef will be broadcasted or not.

According to a source, both the BBC and Banijay have found themselves in an unprecedented ethical and professional predicament. While Gregg’s situation was more straightforward, the fact that John became embroiled in controversy was not something that anyone had anticipated or desired.

While being publicly funded, the BBC must strike a balance between delivering entertainment and fulfilling responsibilities towards its cast, crew, participants, and audience.

If the decision is made to cancel these two series, many individuals involved in the shows – both those who appeared on screen and behind the scenes – would be extremely disheartened. As such, there seems to be a general consensus that the production should continue, at least until the current excitement subsides and things calm down.

The Australian contestant on MasterChef was unexpectedly dismissed – just a few hours following the rejection by the head of the BBC to support him against a claim of employing derogatory racial terms.

As a lifestyle advisor, I must share with you that I’ve recently learned about a situation where I was informed my contract wouldn’t be extended following revelations of inappropriate language. It appears that, during social gatherings post-filming, I carelessly employed a highly offensive racial slur. I deeply regret this lapse in judgment and sincerely apologize for any harm caused.

The report on Wallace’s inappropriate behavior disclosed a grievance leveled against Torode.

Wallace, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld.

On Monday, I stepped forward and openly admitted that I was the individual referenced in the report, who unfortunately found myself in a situation where my choice of words was called into question, allegedly due to racist connotations.

To be clear, I can’t claim to have any memory of the event mentioned, and I’m skeptical about its occurrence.

Yesterday, the BBC confirmed that an investigation conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin, found credible evidence supporting claims of a racist slur being utilized within their workplace.

‘The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously.

As a champion of inclusivity and diversity in lifestyle, I firmly stand against any form of racist language. I made it clear to Banijay UK, creators of MasterChef, that immediate action is necessary when such behavior is detected. Regrettably, John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed following this decision.

Earlier than the declaration, BBC Director General Tim Davie declined to support him and stated that he anticipated some form of action would be taken regarding the accusation.

On an event marked by scandals for the second consecutive year, he presented his comments as the BBC published its annual report.

The publication from last year emerged during the aftermath of the news presenter Huw Edwards admitting to owning inappropriate child images.

When questioned about the Torode racism controversy, Tim Davie stated: ‘In essence, the BBC takes a straightforward stance – if an individual is discovered to violate our core values, we rely on an independent entity such as Banijay to address the issue and then inform us of their actions taken.’

‘These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.’

As a lifestyle expert, I firmly believe that a beloved television program transcends individual contributors. It’s a collective effort that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.

The character or concept could thrive and flourish, as long as we find the appropriate setting that aligns with the show’s cultural context.

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2025-07-18 03:20

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