Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Gregg Wallace Reveals Autism Diagnosis Amidst Misconduct Allegations
Former MasterChef personality Gregg Wallace has publicly discussed the revelation he received during a period marked by multiple sexual misconduct accusations last year. In a recent interview, Wallace disclosed his autism diagnosis, which came amidst the scrutiny of the allegations. The celebrity chef, now 60, shared, “It does clarify a great deal for me.” This autism diagnosis arrives as he navigates a challenging period following misconduct allegations, offering a new perspective on his experiences and behavior.
Navigating Controversy: The Impact of Allegations
The celebrated culinary expert received his diagnosis after sparking controversy with an Instagram post referencing “middle-class women of a certain age,” following the allegations. Wallace recounted his distress to MailOnline, stating, “My world crumbled.” He described his horror at seeing his name associated with figures like Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards, detailing the intense online abuse and negative media attention he endured.
The Public Trial
Wallace emphasized the need for accessible channels for vulnerable individuals to report mistreatment, but also the pitfalls of the system for public figures.
He stated:
- “I think it’s vital there are channels open for vulnerable people to complain if they are being bullied, harassed or made to feel uncomfortable, but the system hasn’t been perfected.”
- “It doesn’t work if the person is a public figure and everything becomes a public trial.”
An Apology and a Turning Point
“Crying out loud, I had no idea where all these people were coming from. Then I went completely wild and blamed it all on middle-class women. It was the biggest mistake but, by far, the best thing I could have done.”
This incident, however, inadvertently led to support when a MasterChef team member reached out to him, providing much-needed assistance during the accusations.
Seeking Support and an Autism Diagnosis
Wallace explained, “He was the first person I’d spoken to in days. Nobody should be left on their own to face something like this. It’s very difficult to explain the pressure unless you’ve been through it.”
Facing Despair
“I thought about suicide all the time: ‘Is my insurance up to date? Will Anna get some money? She doesn’t deserve this. It would be better if I wasn’t here.'”
He recounted a conversation with a MasterChef executive who urged him to seek help, emphasizing the importance of addressing the false narratives circulating about him.
“The MasterChef exec said, ‘Mate, what are you doing?’ I told him I had to speak out because people were saying what they liked about me and it wasn’t true. I said, ‘It just keeps on and on. What am I supposed to do?'”
The Role of Banijay UK
Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, then intervened, offering Wallace a crisis mentor to provide support.
The Path to Diagnosis
This mentor, whom Wallace described as his “life raft,” recommended a mental health assessment, which subsequently resulted in his autism diagnosis.
“I want to make it absolutely clear I’m not blaming my behaviour on my diagnosis, but it does explain a hell of a lot to me,” Wallace clarified.
Understanding His Behavior: Precision and Debate
Wallace also expressed surprise that his on-screen persona, which had apparently been a source of irritation for many viewers, had never been addressed with him.
The “Travelling” Debate
He shared an anecdote about a recurring disagreement with John Torode regarding the nuanced difference between “travelling” and “going on holiday,” illustrating how his need for precise definitions has been a consistent trait, even with MasterChef contestants.
“The producers are like, ‘Mate, will you stay on the food?’ I’m saying, ‘No. I need to know what constitutes travelling. How long were you away? How many hotels?’ John’s like, ‘Will you just f****** drop it?'”
BBC Investigation
The BBC is scheduled to reveal the results of its investigation into Wallace in the coming month.