Baking Show axed over misconduct claims

Johnny Iuzzini (left) with Paul Hollywood

US broadcast network ABC has pulled the American version of cooking show The Great British Bake Off following allegations of harassment against one of its presenters.

American chef Johnny Iuzzini was accused by four women last month of sexual harassment and The Great American Baking Show has subsequently been taken off air after just one episode of its third season.

“In light of allegations that recently came to our attention, ABC has ended its relationship with Johnny Iuzzini and will not be airing the remainder of The Great American Baking Show episodes,” said a network spokesman.

Iuzzini is a judge in the Love Productions-produced show alongside Paul Hollywood, who features in the original UK version of the format.

In a story published by Mic on Tuesday, Iuzzini responded to the allegations by saying: “I am truly disheartened at the thought of anyone being hurt from my past actions. However, there is a difference between accepting responsibility for my immaturity and allowing false claims and accusations to be reported.”

It is the latest in a string of sexual misconduct allegations to have rocked the television industry since a string of actresses accused The Weinstein Company’s Harvey Weinstein in October.

The Great British Bake Off moved to Channel 4 in the UK from BBC1 earlier this year and doubled the channel’s best audience when it aired in August.