Melissa Leong: MasterChef Australia judge opens up on being sexually abused while working in hospitality

Melissa Leong has revealed she was sexually abused while working in the hospitality industry 15 years ago.

The MasterChef Australia judge shared the harrowing experience in an interview with The Age to promote her upcoming memoir Guts, which chronicles the 43-year-old’s career in food and television.

In the book, she recalls being asked to speak at an International Women’s Day event on diversity in the media, where she was deeply moved by fellow panellist Anna Coutts-Trotter’s speech about surviving sexual abuse.

That moment prompted Leong to confront her own past.

“I identified with (her story) far too much,” she admitted.

“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 explained, revealing that she did not even view herself as a victim of sexual assault at the time.

Reflecting on the era, she added: “I let my boundaries be flagrantly crossed, and then I took that blame onto myself for such a long time.”

Her decision to speak openly comes amid a broader reckoning in Australia’s hospitality industry, with more women now sharing accounts of abuse and harassment inside some of the country’s most celebrated venues.

Last year, Sydney hospitality group Swillhouse faced allegations of rape, misconduct, and unsafe workplace practices across several of its high-profile venues, including Le Foote in The Rocks and CBD whisky bar Baxter Inn.

Although founder and former CEO Anton Forte was not accused of wrongdoing, he addressed the scandal in a video statement on the company’s Instagram, acknowledging staff had been let down.

“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 described the claims as “far-reaching” and reflective of “a period of time where our business wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now.”

However, he stressed: “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.”

Forte later stepped down as CEO, with Lisa Hobbs taking over leadership of the group.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.