'Masterchef' contestant charged with sexual assault of girl, 16
A Masterchef contestant who suddenly left the popular cooking show mid-season was charged several months ago with the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl.
Ben Ungermann left the latest season of Masterchef with little explanation, leaving viewers puzzled about his sudden departure.
Ben Ungermann left 'Masterchef' in mid-season.Credit:Scenic Rim Eat Local/Heather Wehl
On Tuesday, Victoria Police confirmed Mr Ungermann was charged with two counts of sexual assault on March 6.
A police spokesman said the victim in the case is a 16-year-old girl.
The charges, laid by the Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team, followed an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on February 23 in Docklands, in the city's inner-west.
"A 36-year-old Queensland man has been charged with two counts of sexual assault," the spokesman said.
"He has been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 25."
In an episode which aired on Sunday, host Jock Zonfrillo told the other Masterchef contestants that the chef had left due to a "personal matter".
"Ben has had to leave the competition and he will not be returning," he said.
Masterchef: Back to Win, which features contestants from past seasons, has been filming in Melbourne since January and has continued during lockdown with safety measures in place.
Mr Ungermann was the runner up in season nine, losing to Diana Chan.
Most recently he has been working at the Woodlands of Marburg in Queensland.
The venue shared a picture of Mr Ungermann six days ago saying he was their new "gourmet chef".
Network Ten and Mr Ungermann have been approached for comment. Production company Endemol Shine declined to comment.