MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has responded to the backlash surrounding his controversial ‘human meat’ documentary, defending the satirical approach taken in the program. The documentary, titled The British Meat Miracle, aired on Channel 4 and explored the concept of ‘human’ steak being sold as a cost-saving alternative amidst the rising cost of living. While the show was indeed fictional and intended as a satire, many viewers were left bewildered and expressed their concerns over the portrayal of cannibalism.
Gregg Wallace, 58, who had previously issued a brief response to the outrage, has now provided a more detailed explanation for the motivation behind the documentary. Wallace clarified that the aim of the show was to spark questions about the cost of living and our relationship with food. Furthermore, he added that the ideas presented in the program were backed by experts and scientific research.
According to Wallace, the concept of growing your own meat has already been explored by scientists in the United States. They have developed a grow your own kit that enables individuals to create a steak using cells scraped from the inside of their own cheek. He also pointed out that the creation of synthetic meats is an area of extensive scientific research, with significant investment being made in this field. The availability of fake meat products in supermarkets is steadily increasing, leading to intriguing moral questions.
Channel 4 also defended the documentary, describing it as a thought-provoking commentary. The network has a history of using humor and satire to shed light on important societal issues. The spokesperson emphasized that The British Meat Miracle was a witty yet thought-provoking mockumentary that highlighted the extreme measures people resort to in order to survive during times of financial hardship.
In conclusion, Gregg Wallace, along with Channel 4, stands by the satirical nature of The British Meat Miracle. While the show may have sparked controversy and confusion among viewers, the intention was to provoke thought and discussion regarding the cost of living crisis. By adopting a humorous approach, the documentary aimed to shed light on the desperate measures individuals may consider in the face of rising expenses.
