July 11, 2023
2 mins read

BBC suspends well-known presenter

London’s Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, “but no formal referral or allegation has been made”…reports Asian Lite News

The BBC was forced to contact the authorities and suspended a top staffer following a newspaper expose that he had allegedly paid £35,000 ($45,000) to a teenager for sexually explicit photos. BBC has come under fire for not taking action earlier despite receiving a complaint from the teenager’s mother in May this year.

The Sun newspaper, which first broke the story, cited the young person’s mother as saying that an unnamed BBC presenter paid her child more than £35,000 ($45,000) for the images over a three-year period.

It is also claimed that BBC’s star presenter in question appeared on air for a month after the family of the young person — who was said to be 17 when the payments started — complained to the BBC in May. In a statement, the BBC confirmed 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 enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols,” it added.

The statement said that “a male member of staff has been suspended”.

“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 added.

The alleged recipient’s mother said they had used the cash to fund a crack habit. The Sun reported the mother as saying : “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life. Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.”

Culture minister Lucy Frazer said earlier she had spoken about the “deeply concerning” allegations with BBC Director General Tim Davie, who assured her the BBC is “investigating swiftly and sensitively,” according to an AFP report.

London’s Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, “but no formal referral or allegation has been made”.

“We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow,” it added.

After The Sun exposed the scam, some embarrassed BBC presenters have taken to social media to deny that they are the broadcaster in question.

BBC was earlier rocked by a scam when its chairman resigned in April after an inquiry found he failed to disclose a loan to ex-prime minister Boris Johnson, has come under fire over its handling of the claim.

Former home secretary and an MP from the ruling Conservative party, Priti Patel, has said the BBC’s response was “derisory.”

“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 party lawmaker Rachel Reeves told Sky News.

ALSO READ-Musk dubs BBC as govt-funded media

Previous Story

UK suffers ‘biggest ever’ ransomware attack on NHS

Next Story

India may offer flexibility on BIPA to UK

Latest from -Top News

Trump Targets BRICS Allies with New Tariff

This move coincides with the ongoing BRICS summit being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has announced that an additional 10 per cent tariff will

BRICS Endorses India’s Stand on Terror

The treaty proposed by India within the UN framework aims to provide a comprehensive legal basis for combating terrorism….reports Asian Lite News The leaders’ joint statement, issued after the 17th BRICS summit

BRICS Slams US Tariff Hikes

The leaders criticised developed nations for using environmental issues to justify trade restrictions on developing countries….reports Asian Lite News Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (IANS) Embroiled in a trade war launched by

US Tariffs Pushed to August Amid Talks

In April, Trump announced a base tariff of 10 per cent on most of America’s trading partners and thereafter additional duties ranging up to 50 per cent….reports Asian Lite News US President

Indonesia Joins BRICS Bloc

This year’s BRICS Summit saw an expanded format, reflecting the grouping’s growing relevance in international affairs….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto into the BRICS
Go toTop

Don't Miss

BBC, Tories Wither As Team Lineker Flexes Muscles

The controversy cast a shadow over a migration agreement between

Musk dubs BBC as govt-funded media

Musk earlier labelled American NPR network as “state-affiliated media”, erupting