ITV presenter Gino D’Acampo has denied “dozens of allegations of inappropriate behaviour” dating back over a period of 12 years.
The Guardian newspaper reports that the Italian chef, who found fame in the UK working as a judge and later presenter of cookery and game shows on ITV, has “firmly denied” allegations in a statement made to ITV News, saying such acts were “simply not in my nature.”
ITV News previously investigated the allegations of misconduct made against him, with behaviour described as “unacceptable” and “distressing” by claimants.
While the investigation continues, reruns of D’Acampo’s old shows have been pulled from the ITV schedule.
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The presenter’s statement reads in full:
“I have been told by ITN News that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over 10 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.”
The Guardian approached D’Acampo’s representatives for comment.
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