John Torode has been in the news for an allegation that he used racist language in a work-related context, which ultimately led to him being dropped from MasterChef after two decades on the show.

What did John Torode “say”?

The specific wording has not been officially published by the BBC or in the formal investigation summary, only that it was described as an “extremely offensive racist term” used in a workplace or work-related social context. Public reports say the complaint was upheld by an independent inquiry carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin, which looked into conduct on MasterChef, including the separate case involving Gregg Wallace.

In forum discussions and speculation, some posters have claimed that the term involved might have been a slur used jokingly in a food-related remark, but this is not confirmed by any official source and should be treated as unverified gossip rather than fact. Torode himself has said he has “no recollection” of the incident and that he does not believe it happened, but he also stated that any racial language is completely unacceptable and that he would never intend to offend anyone.

What actually happened to his job?

  • The complaint of racist language against Torode was upheld by the independent investigation.
  • The BBC and producer Banijay UK then decided that his MasterChef contract would not be renewed, meaning he will not return for future series.
  • Official statements emphasize that the BBC “will not tolerate” racist language and that action had to be taken once the allegation was upheld.
  • Torode has said his final appearances will be in a Celebrity MasterChef run he already filmed, plus two Christmas specials.

Quick timeline

  1. Long-running concerns about Gregg Wallace’s behaviour led to a large independent inquiry into conduct on MasterChef.
  1. During that process, a separate allegation emerged that Torode had used an extremely offensive racist term in a social or work-related setting.
  1. The allegation against him was upheld, and the BBC told Banijay they required action.
  1. Banijay and the BBC agreed his contract would not be renewed, effectively ending his MasterChef role.

What has Torode said in response?

In his public statement (shared on Instagram and quoted in news reports), Torode stressed three main points:

  • He says he has no recollection of ever saying the alleged term and does not believe the incident happened as described.
  • He says racial language of any kind is totally unacceptable in any context and that he would never intentionally use it.
  • He added that he loved working on MasterChef but that it is now time to pass the baton to someone else.

Some reports and interviews also note that he has had a difficult period professionally since leaving the BBC, but that he is trying to treat 2026 as a fresh start, working on new projects like a YouTube cooking channel and hoping his ITV show continues.

What are people saying on forums?

Online discussion has been intense and quite mixed, with people debating both the alleged language and the BBC’s decision.

You’ll see a few main viewpoints:

  • “Zero tolerance is right” – Many commenters argue that any confirmed use of a serious racist slur by a senior presenter justifies ending their role, especially in such a high-profile family show.
  • “Punishment without clarity” – Others feel uneasy that the exact wording and full context have not been made public, so they find it hard to judge how severe the incident was, while still acknowledging that the allegation was upheld by an independent body.
  • “Power dynamics at work” – Some posts suggest that junior staff or colleagues may finally feel able to come forward about bad behaviour, noting that people in powerful TV roles should expect scrutiny if they treat subordinates poorly.
  • “The show is tired anyway” – A different group uses the situation to argue MasterChef as a format has run its course and that the BBC should refresh or end it altogether.

“The takeaway here is to treat your subordinates with respect. If you don't, they might gather proof of your inappropriate behavior, like using racial slurs, and choose to reveal it when it suits them.”

Where things stand now (early 2026)

  • Torode is out of MasterChef and not expected to return to the BBC show.
  • Previously recorded series with him and Gregg Wallace exist, and broadcasters have discussed how or whether to air them without overshadowing the contestants, but not all scheduling decisions are fully public yet.
  • Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner are focusing on new projects, including an online cooking channel and the uncertain future of their ITV programme.

TL;DR: Officially, John Torode is accused of using an “extremely offensive racist term,” an independent inquiry upheld the complaint, and as a result his MasterChef contract was not renewed; he denies remembering the incident, says any racist language is unacceptable, and is now moving on to new projects.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.