Concerns are mounting among television staff who have come forward with allegations of inappropriate behaviour by celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo.
Many fear that speaking out about their experiences could put their jobs at risk, as more accusations continue to surface.
Ongoing Allegations Against D’Acampo
An ITV News investigation recently uncovered claims from multiple former staff members who worked alongside D’Acampo on shows such as This Morning and Gordon,
Gino and Fred’s Road Trip. The allegations describe the chef’s behaviour as “aggressive and abusive,” with individuals recounting experiences they found distressing.
Following the initial report, ITV journalists Sejal Karia and Liz Little have revealed that even more people have since come forward with similar claims.
“We have had more people contact us with allegations about behaviour they say they witnessed or experienced,” Karia stated, confirming that the investigation remains ongoing.
Little emphasized the difficulty of reporting such a sensitive issue, highlighting the fears of those who have spoken out. “The people who contacted us previously and are contacting us now are scared. They’re scared of putting their salaries at risk,” she explained.
ITV Responds to Controversy
In response to the allegations, ITV has taken swift action. The network has pulled D’Acampo’s shows, Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South and Family Fortunes, from its schedule, signaling the seriousness with which the claims are being taken.
Despite this, D’Acampo has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In a public statement, he expressed his dismay at the allegations, stating, “I have been told by ITN News that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago. I have never been made aware of these matters previously, and I firmly deny them.”
He continued, “I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognize the version of events being put to me.”
D’Acampo also pointed out that, throughout his career, he has worked on around 80 productions alongside more than 1,500 people. He insisted that he takes such matters “extremely seriously” and finds the accusations “deeply upsetting.”
Conflicting Reports on Prior Action
While D’Acampo denies any past disciplinary actions, reports suggest otherwise. Karia and Little have been told that the chef was previously spoken to regarding his behaviour and was even sent on a behavioural training course. However, D’Acampo refutes these claims, maintaining that no formal complaints were ever raised against him.
Additionally, one production company is now reviewing its past work with D’Acampo, indicating that the allegations may prompt further scrutiny of the industry’s handling of misconduct complaints.
A Broader Issue in the TV Industry
The allegations against D’Acampo come at a time when the television industry is facing increased examination over its workplace culture. Recent controversies involving figures like Phillip Schofield and Gregg Wallace—both of whom have denied any wrongdoing—have raised questions about whether enough is being done to protect staff, particularly junior employees, from inappropriate behaviour.
On the What You Need to Know podcast, Karia emphasized that these revelations are part of a wider reckoning in the industry. “It’s a time when the TV industry is examining itself and asking whether it has done enough to protect junior members of staff,” she said.
With more individuals speaking out, the hope is that these investigations will lead to meaningful changes, ensuring safer and more respectful work environments across the television industry. However, for those who have come forward with allegations, the fear of professional repercussions remains a very real concern.
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