BBC Breakfast staff say studio is 'like the Hunger Games' as host Naga Munchetty 'faces bullying claims' and boss Richard Frediani takes leave

Daily Mail​

4 hours ago

BBC Breakfast staff have reportedly compared the studio to 'the Hunger Games' after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.
Host Naga Munchetty is 'facing bullying claims' and under-fire editor Richard Frediani has reportedly taken an extended period of leave.
Now, it has been claimed that the show has been 'ripped apart' with some staff members backing Naga and Richard, while others disagree with their approach.
A source told The Sun: [Richard] already created two camps on the show. But the revelations about Naga have thrown a new twist on the scandal.
'Some find her a passionate advocate of people behind the scenes, while others find her as difficult as Fredi.
'This explosive mix has led to a deluge of revelations from both sides, creating a huge headache for the BBC as it scrambles to mop up the mess. It's everyone for themselves like the Hunger Games.'
A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.'
Naga was reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live.
Her representatives have been approached for comment and it is unclear whether she will rebut the claims in The Sun.
According to The Sun, Naga used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break.
The alleged remark in 2022 was said to have stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses.
It was then reported that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was spoken to over alleged bullying of a woman.
The BBC are now reportedly facing questions over whether there are 'double standards'.
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Naga Munchetty for comment.
It comes as it was also reported that BBC Breakfast's editor Richard has taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.
It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show.
The Sun claimed that Richard has stepped back from the show, and while he had already taken time off to go on holiday, has mutually agreed to extend his break.
Sources are also claiming that BBC bosses have held a series of meetings on how to handle the developing crisis.
In an internal email obtained by the publication, John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, thanked staff for their 'positivity' during this 'stressful time' - and informed them of Richard's decision.
A source added: 'Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect.
'He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss.
'BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team. Right now, it's imperative that the BBC gets its house in order and ensures everyone is happy.'
When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC representative said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.
'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.'
On Thursday, Deadline reported that a consultant had been drafted in to help steer an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations on BBC Breakfast.
Staff have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process.
It had previously been reported earlier this week that a bullying probe had been opened into BBC's flagship Breakfast show, with the investigation set to look into claims dating back as far as 2019.
A source told The Sun: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'.
'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'.
'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'.
They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job others think his methods are 'too tough' for 2025.