UK government expresses 'deep concern' over BBC allegations

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Jul 2023 18:06

The BBC says it takes such allegations seriously and has established processes to address them proactively.

The headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation, London, March 11, 2023 (AFP)

UK Culture Minister Lucy Frazer has held discussions with BBC Director General Tim Davie regarding "deeply concerning" allegations involving one of its presenters.

"I have spoken to BBC Director General Tim Davie about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters. He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively," Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said.

"Given the nature of the allegations it is important that the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated," she added.

The claims suggest that the presenter paid a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photos. Frazer stated that the BBC has assured her that they are swiftly and sensitively investigating the matter. She emphasized the importance of allowing the BBC space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts, and take appropriate action.

Later, the BBC issued a statement saying, "a male member of staff has been suspended," confirming that it "first became aware of a complaint in May."

"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own inquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added.

"This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC said.

In an internal email sent to staff and quoted on the BBC website, Davie said he is "wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent."

The Sun newspaper initially reported the allegations, quoting the teenager's mother, who claimed that the BBC star had paid her child over £35,000 ($45,000) for the images over a three-year period.

The BBC has stated that it takes such allegations seriously and has established processes to address them proactively. The broadcaster's handling of the situation has drawn criticism, and calls have been made for a thorough and transparent investigation. The incident follows other scandals involving prominent broadcasters, indicating a need for stronger measures within the industry.

"The BBC, but also other broadcasters, do need to get a grip because we seem to lurch from one scandal to another and more needs to be done," opposition Labour MP Rachel Reeves said as quoted by Sky News on Sunday.

Popular British television host Phillip Schofield announced his resignation from the ITV channel in May following his admission of being in an "unwise but not illegal" relationship with a young colleague.