Shine Iberia, the production company behind MasterChef, has issued a statement to the media in response to the recent controversy sparked by Tamara’s abandonment.
The situation unleashed a wave of criticism towards the program and towards TVE due to the harsh treatment that the judges gave to the contestant after her decision. In the statement, the producer defends itself against these accusations.
The issue even reached the political arena, with the Minister of Health expressing her disapproval of the approach to mental health. As a result, RTVE withdrew the program and issued apologies for what happened, although these have not been offered by the company in charge of the television contest, nor are they included in this statement.
In the broadcast of MasterChef on April 24 on TVE’s La 1, the moment was witnessed when Tamara chose to leave the competition due to the intense pressure she faced and the repercussions this had on her emotional stability, as she herself expressed.
Jordi Cruz’s forceful reaction generated an avalanche of criticism towards the chef and the public broadcaster’s program, placing mental health at the epicenter of the debate.
The statement continues to defend Pepe Rodríguez, Jordi Cruz and Samantha Vallejo-Nágera from the personal attacks and disqualifications they have faced in recent weeks. The producer calls for respect towards them, highlighting their human quality and professionalism.
It is emphasized that the three are leading figures in Spanish gastronomy, widely respected in the sector and appreciated by the program’s contestants. Furthermore, its fundamental role in the format since 2013 is highlighted.
The statement issued by the production company concludes by reaffirming that MasterChef highlights the best of Spanish gastronomy weekly in prime time, as well as the richness of our towns and cities.
