Lisa Nandy has said there are “too many cultures of silence” following allegations against MasterChef presenter Greg Wallace.
Speaking to MPs on Tuesday, Nandi said he was “ready to take further action” if the media industry could not address allegations of misconduct.
Wallace pulled out of presenting MasterChef two weeks ago. The allegations came to light after a BBC News investigation Inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behavior.
His lawyers have vehemently denied that he engaged in sexually harassing behavior.
Appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Nandy spoke about recent behavioral issues, including those surrounding Wallace.
He said: “Having spoken to the BBC in recent weeks about the Greg Wallace allegations, I am really clear that we are seeing a lot of these cultures of silence and problems being swept under the carpet. are suppressed.
“Those who cannot proceed through the current grievance system because of the impact it will have on their careers will likely end their careers.
“And I am clear that people need to be heard, action needs to be taken and perpetrators need to be held accountable.”
Our investigation heard from 13 people of different ages, who worked on five different shows.
Among them was broadcaster Christy Work, who appeared on Celebrity MasterChef. However, most were production workers. There were many freelancers.
Nandy said one of his concerns is that the creative industries are too reliant on freelancers: “These are very casual employment contracts, people are often hired or promoted because they know what they can do.” know, whether they’re liked or trusted, and you get a lot more. The influx of young people into these industries, and there’s a huge power imbalance between the people who run these industries and the people who work in them. “
He added that the Department of Trade and Commerce and the Deputy Prime Minister were working on a plan to create a “work salary”.
“They’re looking very closely at the use of things like unpaid internships that they plan to consult on, self-employed workers, zero-hours contracts, harassment.”
Nandy also confirmed that on Wednesday she will meet with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), an industry body aimed at tackling bullying and harassment in the sector.
He said he shared his position, that it was “better for the industry to come to grips with this”.
“But if they don’t, I will be ready to take further action,” she said.
Nandy added that she was “quite surprised” that when she received a list of organizations that support CISA financially, Banje – the production company that employs Greg Wallace and makes Masterchef – was not on the list. .
“I take a very dim view of company executives who do not take this seriously, and following these discussions with CIISA I will be writing to the Chair to update the committee on the work we are doing in these areas. Moving forward with.”
BBC News has contacted Banje for a comment.
Previously, the company has said it takes the claims surrounding Wallace “incredibly seriously,” but added that while an external investigation is ongoing, it will not comment on individual allegations.
It also said MasterChef’s wellbeing process is “regularly adapted and strengthened and clear protocols are in place to support both staff and contributors”.
Last week, Wallace apologized The charges against them came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.
He concluded: “It is clear to me that I need to take some time off while this investigation continues. I hope you understand and I hope you will accept this apology.”
On Friday, BBC bosses said they would not tolerate behavior that “falls below the standards we expect”.
In a message to staff from the corporation’s director general, Tim Davey, and the BBC’s chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, they added that they would be assisting Bunjay UK’s investigation, adding: “It is extremely important. “The BBC upholds our values in every part of it, including where companies are working with us.”