Piers Morgan slams BBC over John Torode's MasterChef axe - 'Salem wants its witch trials back'

Piers Morgan has branded John Torode's axing from MasterChef a 'witch trial' as he took to social media to share his two pence on the situation. The BBC and MasterChef's production company, Banijay UK, confirmed on Tuesday evening that Torode's contract isn't going to be renewed for the show.

Just days after Gregg Wallace, 60, was axed from the BBC series following an investigation into his behaviour, Torode, 59, has also been told his contract will not be renewed. It came after allegations of racism were upheld against the presenter. It brings to an end almost two decades of John being the face of the show.

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After the news of his departure was announced, controversial presenter Morgan took to his social media to slam the decision to axe the TV chef.

Along with a blurry picture of Torode, the former Good Morning Britain presenter asked: ""Have I got this right?

"The BBC has fired @JohnTorode1 because he allegedly made a racially insensitive comment in a bar EIGHT YEARS ago, that he immediately apologised for, and now doesn’t remember ever saying? Salem wants its witch trials back."

On Tuesday, the BBC released a statement confirming Torode's axe from the show, stating: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.

"John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.“

"The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”

Meanwhile, Torode claimed Banijay and the BBC never approached him regarding the end of his contract. "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been "sacked" from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong," he said.

"I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.

"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards.

"My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."

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