Penny Lancaster Alleges Gregg Wallace Caused Intimidation and Distress on Set

Model Penny Lancaster has asserted that she both observed and was a “victim” of “bullying” conduct by Gregg Wallace, a former MasterChef host. This marks the initial occasion the 53-year-old has commented since her husband, Sir Rod Stewart, publicly alleged last month that Wallace was an “ill-mannered bully” who “humiliated” his wife during her participation in the show in 2021. On Thursday, Lancaster informed ITV’s Loose Women, “I didn’t realise my husband had sent that post out until it was out”. Wallace resigned from MasterChef two weeks prior, as an inquiry into accusations of past misconduct is currently in progress. His legal representatives have vehemently refuted all the claims. Following the initial allegations, Sir Rod published a post on Instagram stating: “Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn’t you?””You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya. Sir Rod Stewart”. Lancaster, who reached the quarter-finals of Celebrity MasterChef, stated to Loose Women: “Without going into details, I didn’t realise my husband had sent that post out until it was out and of course, you can imagine, the influx of inquiries there were.” She mentioned that she was serving on jury duty at that period and only became aware of the situation later, expressing that she was “in shock” by Sir Rod’s communication. “When I did turn my phone back on I got a message from a friend saying, ‘Oh my God, how amazing was that message your husband put out!’ And I was like ‘What message? What has he done?'” Addressing the panel, Lancaster declared: “I most definitely was witness and victim to some of the bullying and harassment behaviour of Gregg Wallace, and unfortunately, a lot of those involved in the production team were also witness to that, and I really feel that he used his position of power to, I believe, intimidate and cause distress to a lot of people on set.” “And it’s really unfortunate that someone like him is allowed to get away with that, and while others sort of stand by and let it happen at the same time.” Lancaster further stated: “I felt a little bit vindicated that something was put out there, going back to sort of that whole Me Too [movement], it’s shocking to think how many women do suffer in the hands of… [men] in a powerful position and are too afraid to talk out.” “They don’t feel at the time that they’re going to be supported or listened to. So sometimes it can take a few years later for someone to mention something. It gives the other victims and people that have suffered the confidence to come forward.” Wallace withdrew from his presenting role on MasterChef following a BBC News inquiry last month, which uncovered that 13 individuals, of various ages and from five distinct programmes, had lodged complaints against Wallace concerning inappropriate sexual remarks. Additional women have since presented more accusations against the 60-year-old. Wallace’s legal representatives have asserted that it is completely untrue that he participates in sexually harassing conduct. The production company Banijay UK declared an “immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate” and stated that Wallace was “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process”. When questioned regarding Lancaster’s particular accusations, Banijay indicated that it “takes this matter incredibly seriously but while the external investigation is ongoing, we won’t be commenting on individual allegations”. “It is important to note, that MasterChef welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols to support both crew and contributors. “These include multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. HR contact details are promoted, and contributors are assigned a point of contact on set available to discuss any issues or concerns.” A spokesperson for the BBC characterized the claims regarding Wallace’s behaviour as “concerning” and confirmed that the corporation would be assisting MasterChef producer Banijay UK with its inquiry. The BBC also expressed gratitude to those “who had the courage to speak out”, further stating its hope that the independent investigation “can be concluded rigorously and as swiftly as possible” and would “follow due process and ensure fairness to all involved.” Lancaster encountered her husband, a rock star renowned for popular tracks such as ‘Do You Think I’m Sexy’ and ‘Maggie May’, in 1999 during his tour. The pair wed in 2007 and are parents to two sons, Alastair, aged 18, and Aiden, aged 13. During a 2017 discussion concerning the #MeToo campaign, initiated on social media by individuals who have experienced sexual harassment and assault, Lancaster disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted as a teenager by an employer. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.