BBC fires second host of cooking show "Master Chef": "We will not tolerate any racist language"

The British public service BBC announced today that long-time host of the cooking show "MasterChef" John Thorod has been fired after allegedly using racist language during filming.

Just a day earlier, the BBC had ended another host of this show, Greg Wallace, but for different reasons.

According to the BBC, Thorod used a "highly offensive racist term in the workplace," which was confirmed by an independent investigation conducted by a law firm.

"We will not tolerate any racist language," the British public service said, adding: "John Thorod's contract for 'Master Chief' will not be extended."

Torod, 59, said he "does not remember the incident" and was "shocked and saddened" when he heard about the allegations against him.

The Australian-born presenter began hosting "Master Chief" in 2005 alongside Wallace, 60, and Wallace was fired yesterday after a report found that multiple women had made allegations against him - mostly about "inappropriate sexual language and humor." The allegations have cast a shadow over both the BBC and "Master Chief," one of the longest-running and most popular competition shows on the UK's public broadcaster. It has spawned numerous spin-offs and licensed versions in other countries.

This latest controversy has raised questions again about how the BBC deals with cases of inappropriate behaviour.

BBC Director General Tim Davey said the management of the British public service would not tolerate behavior that "is not in line with our values," and after the Wallace report, Davey expressed confidence that "Master Chief" can survive and prosper despite the controversy.

"I think a great program that is popular with the audience is much bigger than individuals," he said today.