Ghostwriter Alleges Inappropriate Behavior by Former MasterChef Star
A ghostwriter has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace, claiming he made “revolting” and “sickening” sexualized comments and engaged in inappropriate physical contact while she worked on his autobiography. Shannon Kyle, who was 35 years old at the time, said the incidents occurred between May and August 2012 when she was writing “Life On A Plate.”
“It Was Just Really Revolting”
In a recent interview, Kyle described a pattern of behavior from Wallace that extended beyond unwanted comments. She alleged that he inappropriately touched her thigh while she was in the passenger seat of his car and also touched her bottom after an appearance at the Good Food Show in Birmingham.
Kyle hesitated to speak out at the time, she said, primarily because she had signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement before starting the project and feared losing her job. “I was worried about losing the job because I’d given up all the work for this job. So I thought to myself… I’m just going to try and navigate this, [I’ll] just try and push on through,” Kyle shared. “It was just really revolting.”
Explicit Details Recounted
Kyle also claimed Wallace frequently shared explicit details of his own sex life with her. She recounted that he would boast about dating numerous women and then go into graphic detail about their sexual encounters. “He talked about spanking a lot. He also talked about one of his girlfriends on all fours in front of a mirror,” she recounted.
“He talked in incredibly sexual detail, which at the time it was just so shocking because it was completely unnecessary for the book,” Kyle said.
In another incident, Kyle said she asked Wallace to get dressed after he greeted her in just a towel.
Wallace Denies Allegations
Gregg Wallace’s lawyers have responded to the allegations, stating: “Our client has denied that he has engaged in any such behavior and he specifically denies any sexual misconduct with Ms Kyle.”
Kyle’s accusations were first revealed last week and she has stated that sharing her story felt “a long time coming.”
What are the potential career ramifications for Gregg Wallace given these allegations, especially in light of the Me Too movement?
## Interview: Ghostwriter Accuses Former MasterChef Star Gregg Wallace of Harassment
**(INTRO MUSIC)**
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing shocking allegations against celebrity chef and former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace. Just this week, a ghostwriter named Shannon Kyle publicly accused Wallace of sexual harassment during their collaboration on his 2012 autobiography, “Life on a Plate.” Joining us now to discuss these serious claims is Alex Reed, a prominent advocate for victims of workplace harassment. Welcome to the show
**GUEST:** Thanks for having me.
**HOST:** Shannon Kyle has described Wallace’s behaviour as “revolting” and “sickening,” claiming he made inappropriate sexual comments and engaged in unwanted physical contact. What are your initial reactions to these allegations?
**GUEST:** These allegations are deeply concerning. Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue, and it’s incredibly brave of Ms. Kyle to come forward with her story. It’s particularly troubling given Wallace’s prominent position in the culinary world. It highlights how power imbalances can be exploited in these situations.
**HOST:** Wallace has made headlines in the past for his strong personality and occasional controversies [[1](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11/28/grocer-tv-presenter-who-was-never-far-from-controversy/)]. Do you think his past behaviour might make these allegations more credible?
**GUEST:** I think it’s important not to prejudge. Every case needs to be carefully examined. However, a pattern of behaviour, even if not directly related to sexual harassment, can be relevant. It speaks to a broader issue of respect and boundaries, which are fundamental to a healthy workplace.
**HOST:** What kind of impact do you think these allegations could have on Gregg Wallace’s career?
**GUEST:** The ramifications can be significant. Sponsors may reconsider their associations, and his ability to secure new work could be impacted, particularly in the wake of the Me Too movement. This situation underscores the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to have clear policies and procedures for addressing these types of accusations.
**HOST:** Thank you for sharing your insights on this important issue. I’m sure we’ll be following this story closely as it develops.
**(OUTRO MUSIC)**
