Melissa Leong has spoken publicly after SBS pulled her upcoming cooking series Taste of Art New Zealand days before it was due to air, following misconduct allegations against co-host Vaughan Mabee.
The series was due to air this week before SBS confirmed it would not proceed with the broadcast.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: “SBS will not broadcast the acquired series Taste of Art New Zealand at this time. This decision follows allegations of misconduct concerning the program’s co-host Vaughan Mabee. Mr Mabee has issued a formal public apology in response to these allegations.”
According to Radio NZ, Mabee had been working as executive chef at Arrowtown restaurant Amisfield until late last year.
Amisfield owner John Darby said Mabee was removed from the workplace while an independent investigation into alleged misconduct was carried out.
“Following more recent complaints regarding Vaughan’s conduct, he was immediately removed from the workplace while an independent investigation was conducted,” he said.
“Following the conclusion of that investigation, Amisfield accepted Vaughan’s resignation in February, ending our professional relationship with him.”
Leong addressed the situation in a statement shared to social media, saying she felt it was important to speak out.
“As a victim-survivor, it would feel like a betrayal to me if I did not say something about the situation at hand,” she said.
“We need to listen when women speak up, because it isn’t without fear, trepidation and personal cost when we do so.”
“Much kindness to you all and I look forward to seeing you before too long,” she added.
Mabee has since issued a public apology over his behaviour.
In a statement provided to New Zealand media, he said he had “let my team, myself and my family down” and “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.”
“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,” he added.
“I just hope that my redemption, in the long run, will be as compelling as my foibles.”
Image: SBS
