Melissa Leongs New Show Canceled Amid Scandal

's new food series, Taste of Art, has been dropped by SBS just days before it was scheduled to premiere.

The network axed the New Zealand-produced series after Melissa's co-host on the show, chef Vaughan Mabee, became embroiled in a workplace misconduct scandal.

SBS's decision is a serious career setback for the 44-year-old former MasterChef judge.

'This was supposed to be an important reset project for Melissa,' a source told Daily Mail. 

'Instead, it's become another setback tied to controversy and bad timing.'

The cancellation comes amid ongoing scrutiny over Leong's television future following her exit from MasterChef in 2023.

While the broadcaster has not indicated whether Taste of Art will air at a later date, insiders say the chances now appear slim.

'It's incredibly unfortunate timing for Melissa,' one source claims.

'She had nothing to do with the allegations, but from a public perception standpoint, this becomes another project associated with disappointment and instability.'

Daily Mail has approached Melissa Leong and Taste of Art producers Screentime New Zealand for comment. 

Reports surfaced in NZ media early this month concerning allegations against Melissa's Taste of Art co-star.

Known as a celebrity chef in New Zealand, Mabee, 44, came under scrutiny over his conduct in the workplace.

Radio New Zealand (RNZ) recently reported that he was removed from his role as executive chef at the prestigious Amisfield Restaurant in Queenstown late last year.

An independent investigation was then undertaken, with former colleagues accusing Mabee of aggressive and inappropriate behaviour, much of it allegedly directed toward women.