Melissa Leong has revealed she was sexually abused while working in the hospitality industry 15 years ago.
The MasterChef Australia star made the revelation during an interview with The Age’s Sunday Life ahead of the release of her memoir Guts, which documents the 43-year-old’s time in the kitchen over the years.
In the book, she shares that she was invited to speak at an International Women’s Day event about being a woman of colour on the screen when she was moved by a speech presented by fellow panellist Anna Coutts-Trotter, who bravely spoke about being sexually abused.
That moment proved to be a turning point for Melissa.
‘I identified with [her story] far too much,’ she confessed.
‘I was so ashamed that I just pretended it didn’t happen, so I didn’t keep proof … I just wanted it to all go away,’ she said, adding that she didn’t identify herself as a victim of sexual assault at the time.
Melissa Leong (pictured) has opened up about the sexual abuse she experienced while working in the culinary industry
The chef and food writer, who rose to fame as judge on MasterChef Australia, sat down in an interview with The Age ahead of the release of her memoir
Reflecting on the lack of conversations around consent during that period, she added: ‘I let my boundaries be flagrantly crossed, and then I took that blame onto myself for such a long time.’
Melissa’s decision to candidly speak about her painful past comes amid what many are calling a reckoning within Australia’s hospitality industry, where women who have been employed by some of Australia’s greatest food establishments are opening up about their own stories of abuse and harassment.
Last year, a hospitality boss said his company had ‘messed up’ after explosive allegations were made about rape, drug use and sex competitions among staff in his ritzy venues.
Swillhouse, which owns six high-profile venues across Sydney, including Le Foote restaurant in The Rocks and CBD whisky bar the Baxter Inn, was rocked by allegations made by staff, which first came to light in August 2024.
Former Swillhouse CEO and founder Anton Forte, who was not personally accused of any wrongdoing, posted a lengthy video on the hospitality group’s Instagram account addressing the claims.
An investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald reported claims from five female former staff who alleged the company failed to support them after they reported allegations of sexual abuse and harassment by male employees.
During his video apology, Mr Forte said he began his hospitality group to ‘create something magical in the city we loved’.
Former Swillhouse CEO and founder Anton Forte (pictured), who was not personally accused of any wrongdoing, posted a lengthy video on the hospitality group’s Instagram account addressing the claims
‘We wanted to create a culture of openness, generosity and respect but along the way we messed up,’ he said.
‘It’s heartbreaking to know that people were unsupported, unheard and let down.
‘I’m deeply sorry for that.’
Mr Forte said the allegations against Swillhouse were ‘far-reaching’ and ‘reflect a period of time where our business wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now’.
However, Mr Forte said, ‘we don’t take them lightly and we respect people’s experiences and their need to share their stories publicly’.
‘We’ve heard you, we are listening and we are accountable,’ he said.
Anton eventually stepped down from his role as CEO following the controversy and was replaced by Lisa Hobbs.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.
