Former 'MasterChef Australia' judge Melissa Leong has spoken out after her new New Zealand food show 'Taste of Art' was pulled from local broadcaster SBS before its first episode could air last Thursday. The decision followed allegations of misconduct made against her co-host on the series, celebrated chef Vaughan Mabee. Leong, who has previously spoken publicly about her own experience of sexual assault while working in hospitality, used the moment to call on audiences to take women seriously when they come forward with allegations.
'Taste of Art New Zealand did not premiere on SBS as originally scheduled,' a spokesperson confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald. 'This decision follows allegations of misconduct concerning the program's co-host Vaughan Mabee.'
Why was 'Taste of Art' pulled from SBS?
Mabee resigned from his position as head chef at celebrated Queenstown restaurant Amisfield in February. The New Zealand Herald reported he had been the subject of complaints about bullying and lewd behaviour towards female staff. Following those reports, SBS made the decision to pull the show before it could air in Australia. The series has also been removed from streaming on TVNZ in New Zealand, and SBS has not commented on whether it will be made available in Australia at a later date.
What did Melissa Leong say about the situation?
Leong issued a statement on social media on Wednesday, addressing the situation directly. 'It is with great disappointment that the show's resounding success has been hampered by such unfortunate circumstances these past weeks,' she wrote. 'As a victim-survivor, it would feel like a betrayal to me if I did not say something about the situation at hand, and it's this: We need to listen when women speak up, because it isn't without fear, trepidation and personal cost when we do so.'
The food writer and TV personality had last year written about her own experience of sexual assault while working in hospitality, saying she was inspired to speak out by what she described as the great reckoning against abuse in the industry.
What has Vaughan Mabee said?
Mabee, who has been contacted for comment, told Christchurch newspaper The Press that he had let his team, himself and his family down. 'I unreservedly apologised to former colleagues for my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made. I am truly sorry for any harm or offence,' he said.
He added, 'I would just hope that anyone who reads these articles will understand that I am a human. And take into account that those of us who strive for outrageous goals sometimes have difficult journeys because of the stress and pressure that accompany those goals. I just hope that my redemption, in the long run, will be as compelling as my foibles.'
Mabee also said he left the restaurant to focus on his personal health and to be a more present father to his family.
'Taste of Art' is a competition series in which some of the country's best chefs produce what the show describes as edible art. As of now, its future in both New Zealand and Australia remains uncertain.
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