In an unexpected twist, SBS has pulled the plug on Melissa Leong’s anticipated food series, “Taste of Art,” just days before its scheduled debut. The abrupt cancellation is linked to a workplace misconduct scandal involving her co-host, chef Vaughan Mabee, which has cast a shadow over the New Zealand-produced show.
This decision marks a significant career hurdle for the 44-year-old former MasterChef judge. Insiders reveal that the series was envisioned as a pivotal project for Leong, aimed at revitalizing her television presence. “This was supposed to be an important reset project for Melissa,” a source confided to the Daily Mail. “Instead, it’s become another setback tied to controversy and bad timing.”
The show’s cancellation adds fuel to the ongoing debate about Leong’s future in television, following her departure from MasterChef in 2023. For Melissa, this development is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, where timing and circumstances can significantly impact one’s career trajectory.
‘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.
Melissa Leong’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. (Both pictured)
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.
Insiders told Daily Mail that SBS’s decision means a serious career setback for the 44-year-old former MasterChef judge. Pictured: Taste of Art had been heavily promoted by SBS with Melissa taking centre stage. The show debuted on TVNZ1 in February
Amisfield owner John Darby confirmed Mabee later resigned from the business following the investigation.
Sources say that SBS’s decision to pull the show in the face of the scandal was ‘last-minute’.
‘SBS will not broadcast the acquired series Taste of Art New Zealand at this time,’ the broadcaster said in a statement.
‘This decision follows allegations of misconduct concerning the program’s co-host Vaughan Mabee. Mr Mabee has issued a formal public apology in response to these allegations.’
Mabee apologised for his past behaviour in a media release earlier this week.
‘I let my team, myself and my family down,’ he said.
‘I unreservedly apologise to former colleagues for my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made.’
Taste of Art had been heavily promoted by SBS with Melissa taking centre stage, but the broadcaster has now replaced the show with Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour.
The seven-part series, which debuted on TVNZ1 in February, is a cooking competition featuring 10 chefs working in teams of two.
Each duo prepares edible meals that are ‘a work of art’ as well as creative from a culinary point of view, with the final dishes judged by Melissa and Mabee.
Following her dramatic exit from MasterChef in 2023, Melissa maintained that she left the program ‘on her own terms’ following a ‘magical’ four-year tenure.
A Channel 10 spokesperson told the Australian Financial Review that Melissa’s departure from the show was down to ‘scheduling issues’ following rumours of a feud between her and fellow judges Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo.
After leaving MasterChef at the end of 2023, Melissa was seen on the network’s Dessert Masters.
