Celebrity
chef Gino D’Acampo is facing serious allegations following
an ITV investigation that claims he engaged in “sexually inappropriate behavior” over a span of more than 12 years.
The 48-year-old TV personality has strongly denied the accusations, which include reports from multiple individuals
who allege that he made inappropriate comments and created an uncomfortable work environment with sexually suggestive remarks.
ITV Pulls Gino’s Shows from the Schedule
In light of the controversy, ITV has taken swift action, pulling D’Acampo’s various
television
programs from its schedule until further notice.
While he remains a well-known figure in British television, this is not the first time the I’m A Celebrity winner has found himself in the midst of controversy.
Gino’s Past Criminal Conviction
Long before becoming a household name, D’Acampo had a run-in with the law that nearly derailed his career before it even began. In 1998, at the age of 22, he was convicted of burglary after breaking into the London home of singer Paul Young.
During the break-in, he stole valuable items, including a £4,000 guitar and a platinum disc. However, he was later caught when police matched his DNA to cigarette butts he had left in Young’s bedroom in Mill Hill, North London. As a result, D’Acampo was sentenced to two years in prison, of which he reportedly served ten months.
Despite the crime, Young eventually forgave him, telling the Evening Standard in 2011, “I don’t hold it against him. He said it was bad and he apologised, and I did get most of the stuff back.”
However, one particular loss from the burglary still haunts Young. Among the stolen items were irreplaceable recordings of his late wife Stacey’s music, which were never recovered. Stacey passed away from cancer in 2018, and Young admitted that the loss of those recordings resurfaced painful emotions. He told The Mirror, “When Stacey went, there were certain bits of music I never got back. That hurt me.”
Turning His Life Around
While his past mistakes could have derailed his future, D’Acampo used his time in prison as a turning point. He decided to rebuild his life and set up a business importing Italian ingredients to restaurants, supermarkets, and manufacturers in the UK. His success in the food industry opened doors in television, where he first gained attention as a chef on various cooking shows.
His big break came in 2009 when he won I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and was crowned King of the Jungle. This victory solidified his place as a beloved ITV personality, leading to regular appearances on This Morning, Family Fortunes, and Gordon, Gino & Fred’s Road Trip.
Facing New Allegations
Now, more than a decade after his rise to fame, D’Acampo is under intense scrutiny once again. The recent ITV investigation has uncovered allegations from multiple sources who claim the chef engaged in inappropriate behavior over the past 12 years.
The individuals involved in the report have described his alleged actions as “distressing”, “unacceptable”, and “horrendous.”
D’Acampo has denied all claims against him, maintaining that he has never acted in a way that was intended to cause discomfort. In a statement to ITV, he said:
“I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. I am a father, a husband… The suggestion that I have acted in an improper way is deeply upsetting.”
ITV and Industry Response
In response to the allegations, ITV has taken precautionary measures by removing D’Acampo’s shows from their schedule. The network has not made any definitive statements regarding his future with the channel, but the investigation has sparked discussions about the responsibility of broadcasters in handling misconduct claims.
ITV has faced increasing pressure in recent years to address workplace behavior among its high-profile presenters, and D’Acampo’s case has only intensified those concerns.
What’s Next for Gino D’Acampo?
As the allegations continue to unfold, D’Acampo’s future in
television
remains uncertain. The investigation could determine whether he will return to his successful career or face further consequences.
For now, ITV viewers and fans of the celebrity chef will have to wait and see how the situation develops. While D’Acampo has built a reputation for his energetic and charismatic on-screen presence, this latest controversy threatens to overshadow his accomplishments.
With both the network and the public closely watching, the next steps in this unfolding story could have a lasting impact on his career.
