Melanie Sykes criticises TV industry after Celebrity MasterChef experience - saying she complained at the time
Melanie Sykes, a contestant on Celebrity Masterchef, has spoken out against the television industry following the allegations against host Gregg Wallace. She believes that it’s the responsibility of the executives to address unprofessional conduct and not to allow one individual to take the blame.
The ex-television host and broadcaster, known for his work on popular programs like The Big Breakfast and Today With Des And Mel during the 90s and 2000s, participated in Celebrity MasterChef in 2021.
In her autobiography titled *Illuminated*, published in 2023, she shared her experiences on the show and explained her choice to leave the entertainment industry afterward.
In a recent video posted on her YouTube channel, Sykes mentioned that she raised concerns after her appearance on the show, though she preferred not to file a formal complaint.
Wallace, who is 60 years old, is accused by 13 individuals related to various programs spanning 17 years. Following the initial allegations, numerous others have come forward to share their own experiences.
He has taken a leave of absence from the BBC cooking show while producers Banijay UK conduct an external review of historical misconduct allegations. His legal team asserts that "it is completely untrue that he has exhibited any behavior that could be described as sexually harassing."
Sykes, who is 54, expressed that she wanted to share her experiences to give others insight into the industry. "Whenever Gregg approached the desk, I felt uneasy with his presence," she remarked. "It's all about the vibes and the energy."
Discover more: Accusations are just the beginning with MasterChef; Wallace's remark made me feel humiliated and brought me to tears.
For a better video viewing experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
"Don’t allow a single individual to take the blame for everything."
Sykes, who took part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2014, expressed that the team behind MasterChef is to blame, stating, "They enable... what's the right term? It's really just a lack of professionalism, to be honest."
I've come across a lot of unprofessional behavior in various parts of that industry. While I have plenty more to say, I've chosen not to share everything because it feels so toxic, and I just can't deal with it.
Don't allow a single individual to take the blame, even if they’re labeled as the "talent." It’s unfair for that person to always bear the burden alone.
"If anyone was behaving inappropriately or unprofessionally on my set, I would make it clear that they wouldn't stay. I simply wouldn't put up with that kind of behavior, regardless of who they are."
Sykes expressed her belief that the rumored unprofessional conduct persists because people feel that "we can’t really let him go since the show is doing so well."
She mentioned, "Later on, I expressed my concerns. I didn’t want to file an official complaint because, to be honest, I'd end up stuck in legal battles the whole time. I believe that’s part of why many people choose not to pursue it."
For a better video playback experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
"It's not about being overly politically correct."
In the meantime, Stephen Fry shared with Kay Burley from Sky News that men in the television industry need to think about who might be the "victim or stereotype" behind their so-called "light-hearted jokes."
"It’s simply about basic respect," he stated. "What good manners mean has evolved... and I believe we need to understand it's not a matter of being overly politically correct; it’s about being aware of the environment we’re in."
Following the accusations, Wallace shared a video in which he referred to his accusers as "middle-class women of a particular age."
After facing significant criticism, including comments from Downing Street, he apologized on Monday. He explained, "I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I shared it. I've been experiencing a lot of stress and emotions, and I felt really isolated and overwhelmed when I made that post."
He mentioned, "It's clear to me that I need to step back for a while as this investigation unfolds. I trust you can understand, and I sincerely hope you will accept my apology."
For further details, check out: What are the claims being made and what has Wallace responded? 'Middle-aged women': A significant misstep in handling the situation.
Fry described Wallace's first reaction as "incredibly unwise." He noted, "Even if Wallace believed he had been misinterpreted, he must have recognized that there were women present who were genuinely hurt and felt ignored. He should have prioritized addressing their feelings."
The production company Banijay UK has hired the law firm Lewis Silkin to conduct an inquiry into the accusations regarding Wallace's conduct.
A representative stated that the company is very serious about the complaints but won't address specific claims while the external investigation is still in progress.
A Banijay representative highlighted that the welfare procedures for MasterChef are frequently updated and improved, ensuring there are established protocols to assist both the crew and participants. "This includes several options for reporting concerns, even anonymously," the spokesperson added.
In light of claims that several complaints have been made to the BBC, a spokesperson for the organization stated that while they can't discuss specifics about individuals or internal HR matters, it would be inaccurate to suggest that the BBC has been inactive in response to issues brought to their attention. They noted that it's already known that actions were taken in both 2017 and 2018 following such complaints.
A spokesperson from the BBC mentioned last week that they treat any concerns seriously and have established strong procedures to address them.
"The spokesperson emphasized that any actions that do not meet the BBC's expected standards will not be accepted."
Sky News has reached out to Wallace's representatives for a response.
