Recently, MasterChef co-presenter Gregg Wallace stepped away following allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour spanning 17 years. These claims involve multiple individuals, including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who reported Wallace’s use of “sexualised language” during filming.
In response, it is reported that Wallace suggested that his actions may be linked to an undiagnosed neurodivergent condition, potentially autism. He referred to his regimented daily routines and noted that his four-year-old son has been diagnosed with autism. Supporters have pointed to studies indicating that certain behaviours may be associated with autism spectrum conditions.
An autism charity has now confirmed that it is no longer working with Gregg Wallace following these allegations. Wallace, who has presented the BBC cooking competition MasterChef for 19 years, stepped aside from his hosting role while allegations of historical misconduct are being investigated by production company Banijay UK.
The presenter, whose son is autistic and non-verbal, had been an ambassador for Ambitious about Autism since June last year. However, the charity confirmed to the Civil Society website that it has ended its association with Wallace. A spokesperson stated: “In light of recent allegations, we are no longer working with Gregg Wallace. We have let him know our decision and thanked him for his support of our work over the last two years.” The charity has since removed Wallace from its list of patrons online.
Wallace has been accused by multiple women of sexually inappropriate conduct, including mimicking a sexual act on a member of staff and stripping off his clothes in a way that made others feel uncomfortable. One lesbian colleague has accused Wallace of being “fascinated” by her sex life and making constant jokes about a colleague’s sexuality. Ulrika Jonsson, a former contestant on Celebrity MasterChef, stated that Wallace apologised after making a “joke” about rape during her time on the programme. Kirsty Wark also recounted two occasions where Wallace used “sexualised language” in front of multiple people.
This follows Wallace having previously blamed “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age” for the complaints against him. On Instagram, Wallace apologised for the comment, saying: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people. I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it.” However, critics, including Ulrika Jonsson, described his comments as “misogynistic” and “showing the arrogance of a man who has zero introspection or self-awareness.”
Wallace’s lawyers reportedly said it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Banijay UK, which produces MasterChef for the BBC, has initiated an external review to fully and impartially investigate the allegations.
A spokesperson for the BBC stated: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously, and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. Any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.”
In 2023, Wallace also left another BBC programme, Inside the Factory, amid claims of inappropriate comments made to staff. At the time, he cited wanting to spend more time with his son as the reason for stepping away.
Separately, a “close therapist friend” of Wallace told MailOnline that the presenter has “undiagnosed autism” which may have contributed to his behaviour. The source claimed, “Gregg has form for his inability to read the room, saying things that don’t really belong in the moment. He has no filter and in social situations that can become dangerous, especially when it comes to jokes about sex.”
However, attributing inappropriate sexual behaviour to autism is both misleading and potentially harmful. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by differences in social communication and behaviour, but it does not inherently lead to continuous sexually inappropriate actions, especially when this behaviour has been pointed out. Indeed, many people with autism will be especially cautious if they suspect or have been told they may make inappropriate comments, often saying nothing at all or avoiding certain discussion areas. Such generalisations perpetuate damaging stereotypes about autistic individuals, wrongly suggesting they are predisposed to misconduct.
As an organisation championing inclusivity, Blind Ambition believes that misattributing negative behaviours to conditions like autism undermines genuine understanding. Seema Flower, our founder and a respected expert in accessibility and disability awareness, commented: “While neurodivergent individuals may face challenges in social communication, it is crucial to distinguish this from inappropriate behaviour. Misrepresenting autism in this way not only harms those living with the condition but also hinders the progress of creating a fair and inclusive society. Autism is already a challenging condition which is often misunderstood, and this sort of labelling makes that worse.”
For autistic people across the UK, this situation serves as a stark reminder of how misconceptions can lead to prejudice. Autism is not a cause of inappropriate sexual behaviour, and it is essential to challenge narratives that suggest otherwise. Accountability for one’s actions is vital, regardless of neurodivergence, and disabilities should never be used as an excuse for misconduct.
Blind Ambition calls for greater education and awareness to ensure disabilities are understood and respected. Misusing conditions like autism to explain away inappropriate behaviour does a disservice to everyone—especially those living with autism, who deserve fair representation and equal opportunities.
Let’s ensure that conversations around disability are informed, compassionate, and focused on fostering a society that values inclusion and integrity, rather than using autism as a scapegoat as in this instance.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by differences in social communication and behaviour, but it does not inherently lead to continuous sexually inappropriate actions, especially when this behaviour has been pointed out.
