Bectu boss, Philippa Childs has told the BBC it should “reconsider its decision” about broadcasting the last series of MasterChef.
It comes following the sacking of presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
The BBC has stated that the already-filmed series would be aired, because there was “widespread support” from the amateur chefs who’d taken part.
However, one of those contestants, Sarah Shafi, said that broadcasting the show would send out the wrong message about the treatment of women.
Shafi, from Leeds, told the Guardian that she’d had “quite a heated conversation” with a Banijay producer. She explained that she wanted the show to be axed and had initially rejected an offer to edit her out of her episode.
“I was flabbergasted, because in what way was that a solution – and a solution for whom?” she added in an interview on Newsnight.
“My point was not about me not being associated with it. My point was about the institutional enabling environment. I said I am completely against this airing of the show. I object to it strongly. This is the principle I’m standing by. I’m objecting to the show being aired, not about me being in it.”
Talking to the BBC, Philippa Childs of Bectu said:
“Whilst the BBC claims that it has consulted with contestants there appears to have been no consultation with complainants; freelancers who have taken the very difficult step of speaking out and who will legitimately feel distressed as the show appears on their screens several times a week over the next two months.”
The BBC hasn’t responded to the recent quotes, but has previously released a statement regarding its decision to air the series from 6th August:
“This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC,” said a BBC Spokesperson.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.
“At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.”
