ITV and star's TV shows' statements in full after Gino D'Acampo sex claims
ITV and star's TV shows' statements in full after Gino D'Acampo sex claims
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Gino D'Acampo faces allegations of "sexually inappropriate" behaviour. Dozens of people have detailed their experience with the TV chef in a new ITV News probe. His behaviour has been described as "unacceptable," "distressing," and "horrendous". People who worked with the star are said to have feared any repercussions if they ever decided to speak out. Gino has "firmly denied" the allegations made by "dozens" of people", adding that they were "deeply upsetting". Now, production companies and TV networks have issued statements in wake of the claims. The claims relate to times when Gino worked on shows including Gino's Italian Express, Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip, Gino's Italian Family Adventure and ITV programmes.
In a statement, Gino said: "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 the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.
"Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately. I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of. I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.".
In a statement, MultiStory Media said: "MultiStory Media has a duty of care to everyone who works with us and when a complaint is made, or serious concerns raised, we will always investigate and take appropriate action. It would be inappropriate to go into the detail of individual concerns but we give our assurance that we are reviewing the concerns which have been raised, what was known at the time and what action was taken. We will also look at any new concerns that have come to light.
"Since the series ended six years ago, Multistory Media has not worked with Gino D'Acampo. We encourage any former members of production to raise any concerns via the senior management at MultiStory Media, HR or Safecall, which is a 24/7 anonymous, independent and confidential hotline.". They said: "Objective Media Group takes the welfare and wellbeing of all its production staff and teams incredibly seriously. We have robust protocols and procedures in place for all cast and crew, including on-screen talent, that we review regularly whilst also ensuring that we take into account developments regarding industry wide ‘Duty of Care’ guidelines.
"At the start of all productions our protocols and procedures regarding behaviour, as well as the internal Escalation Procedure for any complaints and issues, are made clear to cast and crew. Across all productions we encourage people to raise any concerns at the earliest opportunity either via our welfare executive, through the internal anonymous hotline, or the broadcaster welfare line – all of which are clearly communicated before, and during, production.
"If there are incidents or complaints reported, we implement our Escalation Procedure and ensure that a full and thorough process is followed in close collaboration with the broadcaster. We include behavioural clauses in talent contracts and to further bolster our procedures we have provided behavioural training for on-screen talent to ensure that both OMG and broadcaster protocols, including ITV’s Conduct and Standards Guidelines for on screen personalities policies, are adhered to.".
Studio Ramsey said: "Studio Ramsay have not worked on a series with Gino D’Acampo since 2022. Whilst we do not disclose or discuss personnel matters publicly, Studio Ramsay is committed, in conjunction with our broadcast partners, to a safe and professional work environment. We take all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and workplace misconduct seriously, promptly investigate, and take appropriate remedial action when warranted.".
ITV said they were committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected. In a lengthy statement, the corporation said: "ITV is completely committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect and feels able to give of their best. "Our promise to those we work with is that where a complaint is made, or serious concern raised, we will always investigate and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action. The same standards are expected of all production companies who make programmes on ITV’s behalf.