Taste of Art New Zealand Premiere Postponed Amid Misconduct Allegations
SBS has postponed the premiere of its food series Taste of Art New Zealand following allegations of misconduct against co-host Vaughan Mabee. The show's scheduled debut last Thursday was cancelled before airing.
Background
Taste of Art New Zealand is a food program co-hosted by Vaughan Mabee and Melissa Leong. The series was produced for SBS but was pulled from the schedule prior to its broadcast premiere.
Allegations and Network Response
SBS confirmed to media outlets that the decision to postpone the show was made due to allegations of misconduct concerning Mabee. The network has not released further details regarding the specific nature of the allegations.
Public Statement
"It is with great disappointment that the show’s resounding success has been hampered by such unfortunate circumstances."
Melissa Leong, former MasterChef Australia judge, posted a statement on social media regarding the situation. In her statement, she identified herself as a "victim-survivor" and called for audiences to listen when women speak out, noting that doing so comes "with fear, trepidation and personal cost."
Leong has previously written publicly about her experience of sexual assault while working in the hospitality industry.