- BBC has reportedly started a formal probe into bullying allegations against presenter Naga Munchetty.
- Allegations span a couple of years, including her time on the BBC morning show and Radio 5 Live.
- The investigation follows a turbulent period for BBC Breakfast’s team and management.
The BBC has reportedly begun a formal investigation into BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty as more claims of bullying allegations come to light.
The presenter, 50, has been at the centre of a bullying row for several months now after it was claimed she had been spoken to by BBC bosses about two incidents in three years.
As well as being accused of using an ‘inappropriate sex jibe’ that left people ‘stunned’ off-air on her Radio 5 Live show.
It came alongside a turbulent time for the flagship BBC show, with editor Richard Frediani taking an extended period of leave after his own misconduct complaints, per Deadline. These were not upheld.
Meanwhile, co-host Charlie Stayt remains under review for his own alleged behaviour as the BBC continues its probe into the culture at the morning show with the support of an HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC.
Now, The Sun has reported that, after Munchetty came under review, the BBC has escalated into a formal investigation with new complaints emerging.
The shift comes just after the exit of Head of News Deborah Turness (over the Donald Trump Panorama debacle), who reportedly ‘protected’ talent like Munchetty.
An insider told the publication: ‘Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite, with further complaints against her.
‘They had no choice but to take things from the slightly softer “under review” to formal investigation.
‘Of course, her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah’s departure isn’t exactly a coincidence.’
A BBC spokesperson told Metro they ‘do not comment on individual HR matters.’
In July, an insider claimed Munchetty was eyeing up a move from the BBC over to LBC as chatter about her alleged behaviour grew.
‘Naga loves the BBC and her job, but there’s only so much external noise anyone is prepared to take.
‘Her team last week renewed talks with LBC. The Global Radio station would suit her as there’s far less of the fluffy nonsense that’s involved in working at the BBC,’ a source revealed at the time.
After the allegations first emerged, the BBC said it takes ‘all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values’.
The statement added: ‘We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.’
Metro has reached out to Naga Munchetty’s representatives for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.