LONDON (AP) — The BBC has announced that it will discontinue its collaboration with "MasterChef" host Gregg Wallace following a report that substantiated numerous allegations of misconduct against him. The investigation, conducted by a law firm, found that out of 83 allegations made against Wallace during his tenure on the show from 2005 to 2018, 45 were upheld.

The reported claims predominantly involved "inappropriate sexual language and humor," with one specific incident cited involving unwelcome physical contact. The revelations come after Wallace, aged 60, voluntarily stepped away from hosting the popular BBC reality show last year as investigations were initiated following complaints lodged by multiple women regarding his inappropriate sexual remarks and behavior spanning a period of 17 years.

The BBC has faced intensified scrutiny over its handling of sexual misconduct allegations, particularly regarding how Wallace was able to continue fronting several of the network's leading programs despite the ongoing complaints against him. In a statement, the broadcaster expressed remorse and announced that Wallace's "return to MasterChef is untenable," thus confirming their decision to cease any future collaboration with him.

Historically, the BBC indicated that Wallace had received warnings from his employers after a complaint surfaced in 2018, following which an internal investigation deemed his behavior as "unacceptable and unprofessional." Despite the substantiation of numerous allegations, Wallace asserted that he had been acquitted of the "most serious and sensational accusations" prior to the release of the investigation's findings.

In a defiant Instagram post last week, Wallace declared, "I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established." This statement captures Wallace's stance in response to the allegations and the ensuing public backlash.

"MasterChef" is recognized as one of the BBC's hallmark and enduring competition shows, which has also led to adaptations in various other countries, such as "MasterChef Australia." The show's popularity had previously shielded Wallace, but with the current findings, it is clear that the BBC is taking a strong position against misconduct allegations, signaling a broader commitment to improve its workplace culture and ensure the safety and respect of all personnel involved.