GINO D’Acampo has been hit with fresh allegations of bullying and intimidation days after his TV comeback.
An ITV investigation found there were claims of crew members feeling “belittled” and “humiliated” while on set with the TV chef.
Gino D’Acampo has been hit with fresh allegations of bullying and intimidationCredit: Rex
Former crew members say they felt ‘belittled’ and ‘humiliated’Credit: Rex
It follows previous accusations of sexually inappropriate behaviourCredit: Rex
Former crew members also alleged they felt fearful of D’Acampo, 49, on programmes which aired between 2010 and 2024 on ITV, according to ITV News.
Addressing claims about the presenter for the first time, a former television executive told the outlet that more needs to be done to protect freelancers.
It follows accusations made previously about sexually inappropriate behaviour.
Sue Fowler, the most senior member of production on “Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make” said her concerns were not taken seriously “because Gino brings in money”.
Ms Fowler made a complaint after an incident with a freelancer who collapsed while in Naples.
She alleges that D’Acampo said they should “package him up” and “send him back like they do on Amazon Prime”.
While another crew member reportedly heard D’Acampo say: “If he’s going to die, he better die quietly.”
It left Ms Fowler shocked and said she found him “intimidating and bullying”, he “humiliated people” and there was a “fear of him” on set.
But Fowler said she felt little had come from her complaint on the incident and that there were “no repercussions” while her career was impacted as a result.
ITV said that since their initial investigation was launched, they had not commissioned any further shows featuring D’Acampo.
The outlet also revealed that further incidents reportedly occurred on shows such as “Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South” relating to “crude language” and “unacceptable behaviour”.
They also revealed that allegations about D’Acampo’s conduct reach back to 2010.
While another claimed “bullying” and feeling “belittled” saying they didn’t make a complaint for fear of losing their job.
A number of other staff who have worked with him however have reported positive experiences with one anonymous former colleague saying he was “passionate but professional”.
ITV News understands that Gino D’Acampo denies all the allegations – he is yet to provide a statement on his position.
The Sun reported earlier this month how the TV chef sucked spaghetti from a woman’s mouth in his cooking show comeback.
He was visiting Toronto and Montreal to plug new series An Italian In Canada.
Other clips from his live tour show a female fan slapping him after appearing to take offence at a comment.
He also asked men to whisk with their backs to the audience in a way that suggests a lewd act.
In February, D’Acampo was accused of “sexually inappropriate” and “intimidating” behaviours as dozens came forward with complaints.
ITV subsequently sacked D’Acampo, cutting all ties and said they had “no plans to work with him again”.
An ITV investigation found there were multiple claims of “unacceptable,” “distressing” and “horrendous” treatment while working with the TV star over more than 12 years.
One woman, who has been called Hannah to protect her identity, told ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia the TV chef made inappropriate sexual comments to her on a job in 2011.
She alleged he told her he would “like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter”.
The woman said there was “a ripple of laughs” while nervous crew members hid behind cups of tea.
His legal team at the time told ITV News that he “emphatically and unequivocally denies these allegations”.
The Sun has reached out to D’Acampo’s reps for comment.