John Torode 'axed over directing N-word at MasterChef staff – not for singing Kanye song'

TV chef John Torode was not sacked over using an offensive racial slur while singing a Kanye West song, it has now been claimed, despite recent reports earlier this week.

The MasterChef star was sacked earlier this week after he came forward as the unnamed person in the firm Lewis Silkin's report, commissioned by Banjiay, into the conduct of John's co-host Gregg Wallace, following allegations of misconduct. The upheld complaint about John was "an accusation of highly offensive racist language against", which John has vehemently denied.

John denied the allegation and said in a statement: "I have no recollection of what I'm accused of." The Mirror understands John was the subject of nine complaints, eight of which were rejected. Only one of which – the upheld allegation – was of racist language, the Mirror understands. John continues to deny the allegation.

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Later, BBC star Richard Osman spoke out and claimed the ex MasterChef star used 'the worst racial slur there is'.

It was later reported by The Sun that Torode repeated lyrics of Kanye West's song Gold Digger, in which the N-word is featured. The alleged incident is said to have taken place at an after-work gathering in 2019. John is then alleged to have used the word again whilst speaking to a member of the MasterChef production team.

However, BBC News has since reported that the upheld allegation relating to John using the racist slur was not in relation to the above incident. The publication reports the upheld allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place the year before in 2018, in which it is claimed he used the same word on set after filming ended – and the slur was directed at a member of staff.

Meanwhile, the publication also reported that Torode was the subject of a total of nine complaints. There was a single upheld allegation of racist language and eight other allegations relating to different matters were rejected, the Mirror understands. The BBC, Banjiay and a representative for John declined to comment when contacted by the Mirror.

John denied the allegation in a statement which read: "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."

Earlier this week, the BBC said: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation, which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace, was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.

"He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."

Shortly after, John posted in a statement: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.

"I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.

"Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.

"I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."

As previously reported, production company Banijay said: "The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."