In a sad turn of events for former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong and everyone involved, SBS has made the eleventh-hour decision to axe her latest TV show.
The new series, Taste of Art, was scheduled to hit screens in just a few days, but the network has officially pulled it from the lineup following serious allegations regarding the conduct of Leong’s co-star, Vaughan Mabee.
“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.”
The controversy stems from Vaughan Mabee’s previous role as the executive chef at the renowned Arrowtown restaurant, Amisfield. He faced multiple allegations of serious workplace misconduct during his time at the restaurant, including bullying, physical aggression, alcohol and verbal abuse, and making lewd or derogatory comments specifically directed at female staff.
In the aftermath of the Taste of Art being removed from SBS’s schedule, Melissa Leong shared a statement. “I signed on to helm Taste of Art last year, excited and honoured to contribute to a show that celebrates the highest potential in cuisine artistry,” Leong wrote on her Instagram Story.
“It is with great disappointment that the show’s resounding success has been hampered by such unfortunate circumstances these past weeks.”
Melissa went on to say that as a victim-survivor, she felt the urge to address the allegations.
“As a victim-survivor, it would feel like a betrayal to me if I did not say something about the situation at hand, and it’s this: We need to listen when women speak up, because it isn’t without fear, trepidation and personal cost when we do so,” Leong wrote.
“As this situation is still unfolding, this is as far as I’ll speak on the subject.”
According to reports from Radio NZ, Vaughan was distanced from the restaurant last year to allow for a formal inquiry into his behaviour towards female colleagues. The situation culminated in his departure, a move later clarified by the Amisfield owner, John Darby.
“Following more recent complaints regarding Vaughan’s conduct, he was immediately removed from the workplace while an independent investigation was conducted,” he said in a statement. “Following the conclusion of that investigation, Amisfield accepted Vaughan’s resignation in February, ending our professional relationship with him.”
The New Zealand Herald published several allegations concerning Vaughan’s workplace conduct. In a statement, Vaughan told the newspaper that he “unreservedly apologise[s] to my former staff and colleagues at work for my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made”.
“I love and respect all my team at the restaurant and meant no malice or harm with my actions. So, I’m stepping down to first focus on addressing my personal health issues, and being a present and loving father to my family,” he said.
In New Zealand, TVNZ removed the show, Taste of Art, from its streaming platform in May, 2026.
What was Taste of Art going to be about?
The cancellation is a disappointing blow for the production, which promised a unique twist on the culinary competition genre. Taste of Art was designed as a seven-part series featuring ten talented chefs competing in pairs. The hook of the show was contestants crafting “edible works of art” — dishes that were as visually stunning as they were delicious.
The show was filmed entirely in Queenstown, New Zealand, specifically at the Remarkables Studios in Frankton. This was a huge production for the region, as it marked the first major studio-based reality show to be shot in Queenstown.
Melissa Leong and Vaughan Mabee were set to lead the series as the show’s primary judges.
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