Gregg Wallace's hidden meaning behind wild statement that angered PM - expert

Gregg Wallace's response to allegations from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period 'backfired', according to a PR expert who claimed the BBC star 'downplayed' the investigation

Gregg Wallace has issued an emotional apology after his initial 'knee-jerk' video statement prompted an angry backlash among fans and the Prime Minister.

The BBC star took to social media on Sunday to rubbish claims of alleged 'inappropriate behaviour', telling his followers that the allegations had come from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age". A PR and reputational management expert says Gregg's strongly worded clip, published to his Instagram account, was littered with a deeper message about his thoughts on the investigation.

It was announced on Thursday that the MasterChef presenter was taking a step away from the BBC show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by producer Banijay UK. The 60-year-old faces allegations from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News, with many others sharing their experiences in recent days, including that the star made "inappropriate sexual jokes".

Expert Mayah Riaz argued his response to the allegations "completely backfired", which then saw the star apologise on Monday afternoon for "any offence" before admitting that he needs to go offline while the probe continues. His lawyers say "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature".

PR to the stars Mayah claims that the first statement saw him 'play down' the allegations as he 'prioritised' his own narrative. She claimed: "By pointing out that there were 13 complaints over 20 years, Gregg is attempting to downplay the allegations, again this is seen as him being dismissive, especially in a climate where any instance of misconduct is taken seriously."

The expert also highlighted what she believes was the presenter concentrating on his portrayal in the media, rather than addressing the nature of the complaints, which she dubbed as "very telling". "This gives the impression that he is prioritising his own narrative over the potential harm he may have caused," she claimed.

"This approach always backfires, as it appears to be self-centred. Turning to Instagram during this time is the worst thing someone in the eye of a media storm can do. I understand the instinct as it is a common knee-jerk reaction - but it is hugely unwise and lacks the gravitas and control of a carefully worded formal statement."

In the clip, Gregg hit back at the allegations saying: "I’ve been doing MasterChef for 20 years. Amateur, Celebrity and Professional MasterChef. And in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life.

"And apparently now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time. In the newspaper I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right."

He added: "In 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants, on MasterChef have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo. Can you imagine?" However Mayah argues this was a misstep in damage control.

The expert argued: "Before the weekend, public response was divided about the allegations surrounding Gregg. However, since his videos, he has exacerbated the situation and there is united condemnation with high profile people not involved in the situation condemning his words.

"Gregg's Instagram video shows he has not followed PR advice from his team. In situations like this, sometimes PR and Management teams wash their hands of talent. We don't know if that is the case here or not." She added: "His statement's defensive tone, particularly targeting 'middle-class women of a certain age' is very reactionary and divisive. No PR would advise in making this sort of a statement, as they know it'd amplify backlash - as it has done."

Since then, after Downing Street said Gregg's response to the accusations being made against him was "inappropriate and misogynistic", Gregg has released a second video statement revealing that he is taking some time offline. "I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people," he said in a video posted on his Instagram story.

"I wasn't in a good head space when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it. It's obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology."

The Mirror has approached Gregg's representatives for comment.