Gino D’Acampo, the popular Italian chef known for his appearances on ITV shows like This Morning and Gordon, Gino and Fred:
Road Trip, is currently embroiled in a growing controversy over allegations of sexually inappropriate and aggressive behavior during his time working for the network.
Women who worked with D’Acampo have come forward with disturbing claims,
insisting they were “too afraid” to report the incidents at the time due to their self-employed status and fear of being blacklisted from the TV industry.
As the allegations gain traction, ITV has faced significant pressure to distance itself from the chef amid comparisons to the scandals that rocked the BBC,
particularly the one involving MasterChef host Gregg Wallace.
The Allegations: A Pattern of Disturbing Behavior
The allegations against D’Acampo span over a period of 12 years, covering several of the chef’s TV appearances. According to sources who spoke to MailOnline, multiple women who worked with him on ITV shows reported instances of “sexually inappropriate” and “aggressive” language. The accusations include D’Acampo making crude comments, gestures, and even physical advances toward colleagues, particularly women. These actions allegedly took place in full view of crew members, creating an uncomfortable and distressing work environment.
One woman, who worked alongside D’Acampo for over a decade, stated that the chef would often “say and do whatever he wanted.” Another claim involved D’Acampo allegedly making an extremely graphic remark about wanting to engage in sexual activity in front of an entire crew during filming. In a separate incident, he is said to have opened a door while wearing only boxer shorts, jumped on a bed, and made crude jokes about his body.
In addition to these claims, D’Acampo has faced accusations of making inappropriate comments about colleagues’ appearances, including remarks about the physical attributes of a female colleague and references to sex and alcohol.
ITV’s Response and the “MasterChef Effect”
Sources within ITV indicated that the broadcaster had started to distance itself from D’Acampo in the wake of these allegations. The situation has drawn parallels to the MasterChef scandal involving Gregg Wallace, which reportedly influenced ITV’s decision to take action. According to an insider, ITV’s fear of a repeat of the BBC scandal played a significant role in their handling of the case. With the network already dealing with the fallout from Phillip Schofield’s exit from This Morning, the broadcaster is said to be trying to avoid further controversy.
D’Acampo has reportedly been removed from the popular Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip after he refused to sign a morality clause in his contract, which would have allowed ITV to dismiss him if his behavior became problematic on set. In addition, ITV has allegedly scrapped the airing of Family Fortunes, a series featuring D’Acampo that was originally scheduled for early 2025.
The Alleged Victims’ Fears of Retaliation
Despite the mounting accusations, many of the women who spoke out against D’Acampo have explained that they did not raise complaints at the time due to their fear of professional retaliation. Several of the alleged victims were self-employed at the time, which meant that speaking out could jeopardize their careers. They feared being blacklisted from the industry or losing future opportunities, as the world of television production can be a tight-knit environment, and being labeled as a troublemaker can have long-lasting repercussions.
This fear of retaliation highlights the difficulties faced by individuals who experience harassment or inappropriate behavior in the workplace but feel powerless to speak up. Many women reported that, at the time, they felt isolated and unsupported, making it even harder to confront such issues.
D’Acampo’s Denial and ITV’s Continued Scrutiny
Gino D’Acampo has firmly denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “simply not in my nature” and describing them as deeply upsetting. He maintains that his behavior was intended as playful and did not carry any malice. He sees himself as a “cheeky Italian chappy” who occasionally pushes boundaries in a lighthearted way.
However, the allegations have sparked a broader conversation about acceptable behavior in the workplace, particularly in the entertainment industry. ITV, which has come under increasing scrutiny, is now facing calls to address the issue transparently and take appropriate action. The broadcaster’s decision to sever ties with D’Acampo over the course of several high-profile scandals underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences for individuals accused of misconduct.
As ITV grapples with its response to the ongoing controversy, the alleged victims of D’Acampo’s behavior are calling for accountability and acknowledgment of their experiences. For now, the chef remains at the center of a scandal that continues to unfold, leaving ITV to navigate the complex dynamics of public relations, employee safety, and the broader implications of workplace harassment.
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