Gregg Wallace: Too late to apologise to middle-class women of a certain age?
Dec 2, 2024
auto_awesome
Dorothy Byrne, former Head of News at Channel 4, and Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, discuss the troubling allegations against Gregg Wallace, who faced backlash for dismissing complaints from women in the industry. They dive into the pervasive misogyny in television and the pressing need for better accountability and reporting mechanisms. The conversation highlights the struggles women face in creative sectors and underscores the importance of elevating their voices to combat power imbalances. Insightful perspectives shed light on a culture that demands change.
Greg Wallace's initial dismissal of serious allegations as coming from a specific demographic underscores a widespread culture of misogyny in media.
The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for accountability measures in the entertainment industry to ensure a safe reporting environment for misconduct.
Deep dives
The Apology and Its Repercussions
Greg Wallace faced significant backlash following allegations from 13 women who claimed he made inappropriate, sexually suggestive remarks over several years. In a moment of stress, he initially downplayed the complaints, stating they came from middle-class women of a certain age, which ignited further outrage. Consequently, he issued a public apology, acknowledging that his initial response was insensitive and expressing a need for introspection during the ongoing investigation. This situation highlights the complexities of handling public criticism and the importance of accountability in positions of power.
Misogyny and Public Reaction
The discussion emphasized that Wallace's remarks were not isolated to a specific demographic but resonated with women of all backgrounds who oppose misogyny and inappropriate discourse in the workplace. Dorothy Byrne, a former television executive, criticized Wallace's attempt to frame the critique as being limited to a certain age and class, asserting that many women are unified in their responses to harassment. She pointed out that dismissing these complaints as merely complaints from a few middle-class women overlooks the broader issue of misconduct in the entertainment industry. The collective anger from women signifies a growing intolerance for such behavior, spanning all age groups and social classes.
Cultural Shifts and Industry Accountability
The conversation addressed the broader cultural implications within the television industry, particularly regarding the treatment of women and the systemic issues that allow such behavior to persist for extended periods. Calls for the BBC to implement more robust reporting and accountability measures for inappropriate behavior were highlighted, as many feel unsafe reporting incidents. Acknowledgment of changing dynamics in leadership, with more women in senior positions, was discussed as a potential avenue for meaningful change. The industry is urged to establish a safe environment where individuals can report misconduct without fear of repercussions, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
Gregg Wallace has stepped away from presenting BBC's MasterChef after accusations he made sexual comments towards staff and celebrity guests on a range of programmes over 17 years.
In response to the allegations, which he denies, Mr Wallace initially dismissed his accusers as "middle-class women of a certain age".
On today’s Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Dorothy Byrne, ex-head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, and Philippa Childs, head of the TV, film and theatre union Bectu, about what the allegations, and Wallace’s reaction, tell us about attitudes to women in the media.