Gregg Wallace denies claims in emotional post exit confession
Former TV star blames misread signals and defends himself tearfully
Gregg Wallace, a disgraced presenter, has blasted critics for comparing him to Huw Edwards and Jimmy Savile, claiming he is "not a groper, sex pest, or a flasher."
After dozens of accusations of inappropriate behaviour, including that he dropped his trousers in front of staff, the 60-year-old former MasterChef host sincerely apologised to anyone he had offended.
Wallace broke down as he talked about the "hurt" he and his family had experienced and insisted that he had been treated unfairly in the media spotlight in his first interview since being fired by the BBC due to the complaints.
He denied being a "wrong-un" but admitted to The Sun that some of his actions "weren't socially acceptable" and might have offended people.
“I'm not a groper. People think I've been taking my trousers down and exposing myself - I am not a flasher. People think I'm a sex pest. I am not,” he added.
Wallace said it was "horrific" to be mentioned alongside infamous sex offenders Savile and Edwards, and he acknowledged that he was afraid to go outside for fear of being "abused" by strangers.
He maintained that he is "not trying to play the victim" and said that his autism diagnosis contributed to some of his alleged behaviour because it causes him to have trouble "reading people" and occasionally come across as "odd."
Additionally, he defended the claims that he refused to wear pants while working on the cooking show, claiming that they have been "sexualised." He attributed this to his "hypersensitivity" as a result of the condition.
What is Gregg Wallace famous for?
Gregg Wallace is well-known for co-hosting MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef, and MasterChef on the BBC. With a career spanning more than 20 years in UK food and cooking shows, he is also well-known as a food expert, former greengrocer, and television host.
