Two popular hosts of the BBC cooking show “MasterChef” have been dropped from the program following complaints against them. John Torode and Gregg Wallace, who have been hosting the show for over a decade, will not be returning for the next season after the BBC upheld complaints made against them.
The decision to drop the two hosts came after an investigation was launched into a recent episode of the show where contestants were tasked with creating a Malaysian dish. The judges faced backlash after they made comments that were deemed as culturally insensitive and offensive to Malaysian cuisine.
In the episode, Wallace described a contestant’s dish as “a bit too much coconut milk and it’s starting to look like a Malaysian dish.” Torode also made a comment saying, “I find the pandan leaves quite cloying. I’m surprised you’ve managed to get that into the sauce.” These comments sparked outrage, with many viewers taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration.
The BBC received multiple complaints from viewers, and after an investigation, they concluded that the comments made by the hosts were indeed offensive and inappropriate. In a statement, the BBC said, “We regret that these comments were made and have taken the decision to drop John and Gregg from the show. We apologize to our viewers and the Malaysian community for any offense caused.”
This is not the first time that the show has faced criticism for its hosts’ comments. In 2018, Wallace faced backlash for saying that a dish cooked by a contestant looked “like a dog’s dinner.” The comment was seen as derogatory and disrespectful towards the contestant’s efforts.
Many fans of the show were disappointed to hear about the hosts’ departure, with some even calling for the BBC to reconsider their decision. However, others have praised the network for taking action and addressing the issue.
This incident raises questions about cultural sensitivity and diversity in the culinary industry. As cooking shows continue to gain popularity, it is crucial for hosts and judges to be mindful of their comments and portrayals of different cultures and cuisines. The controversy surrounding Torode and Wallace serves as a reminder for the industry to be more inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds.
The BBC has not yet announced who will be replacing Torode and Wallace on the show. However, they have stated that the upcoming season of “MasterChef” will continue to showcase a diverse range of cuisines and cultures from around the world.
This decision by the BBC serves as a reminder for all media platforms to be mindful of their content and actions. As the world becomes more interconnected, it is crucial for media professionals to be culturally sensitive and respectful towards different communities. The controversy surrounding “MasterChef” and its hosts’ comments serves as a lesson for the industry to do better and strive for inclusivity and diversity.