The BBC has suspended a male staff member following allegations that one of its prominent presenters paid a teenager a significant sum of money to pose for sexually explicit photographs when they were 17 years old. The broadcaster initially became aware of a complaint in May, but new allegations of a different nature were brought forward on Thursday, prompting the BBC to notify external authorities.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had received initial contact from the BBC but stated that no formal referral or allegation had been made. They expressed the need for additional information before determining the appropriate course of action. The BBC described the situation as “complex and fast-moving” and emphasized their commitment to swiftly establish the facts in order to take appropriate steps.
In a statement, the BBC acknowledged the suspension of a male staff member and stressed the importance of handling the matter fairly and with care. However, specific details regarding the claims were not provided. According to The Sun newspaper, which first reported the allegations, the mother of the young person involved claimed that the unnamed presenter had paid over £35,000 ($45,000) to the teenager for the images over a three-year period. The mother also stated that the funds were used to support a crack cocaine addiction.
The family filed a complaint with the broadcaster on May 19, but the presenter was not immediately taken off the air, as reported by The Sun. The family did not request payment for their story. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer held urgent discussions with Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, about the deeply concerning allegations. Frazer later tweeted that Davie had assured her the BBC was conducting a swift and sensitive investigation.
Given the gravity of the accusations, Frazer emphasized the need to grant the BBC the necessary space to conduct its investigation, ascertain the facts, and take appropriate action. The BBC, funded by TV license fees, affirmed its commitment to taking all allegations seriously and maintaining robust internal processes to proactively address such claims. They reiterated their readiness to act upon any new information that comes to light or is provided to them.
