BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani on ‘extended leave' as bullying scandal rages on
It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months
UNDER-FIRE BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has taken an 'extended period of leave' in the wake of bullying allegations.
The show's Bafta-winning Editor, who stands previously accused of shaking a female colleague and aggressive behaviour, has stepped back following The Sun's revelations about toxicity on the programme earlier this week.
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Under-fire BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has taken an 'extended period of leave' in the wake of bullying allegations
Credit: BBC
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Employees have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process
Credit: BBC
There have also been a series of top level crisis meetings held within the corporation on how best to contain the developing crisis on one of its staple formats.
In an email to internal staff, Director of Programming John McAndrew thanked colleagues for their 'positivity' during this 'stressful time' - and informed them of Frediani's decision.
Last night a source said: 'It's been an incredibly challenging past few months for everyone involved with BBC Breakfast - from crew to on-screen talent.
'Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect.
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'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.'
He needed time to reflect.
It is understood Frediani had been on holiday but mutually decided to take an extended break.
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Earlier today, meanwhile, Deadline confirmed The Sun's story concerning the internal review about the culture on the show.
Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV
The battling Corporation has drafted in an external lawyer from top firm PwC to help speak to staff.
Employees have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process.
The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them.
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A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast.
'In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart.
Series of scandals
EX-BBC News presenter Huw Edwards got a suspended jail term after admitting last July that he made indecent images of children.
He had been suspended on full pay for five months. The Beeb said it should have acted faster when the scandal emerged in July
Graziano Di Prima was sacked last July after we revealed he kicked his Strictly dance partner Zara McDermott in 2023. It came after Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying by Amanda Abbington, who requested footage of their rehearsals in early 2024. Complaints of verbal abuse against him were upheld, but physical aggression claims were not. He quit amid a probe.
Former footballer Jermaine Jenas was axed from Match Of The Day last August after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues. He insisted 'nothing physical ever happened', but wife Ellie later divorced him.
Other controversial Strictly celebs include opera singer Wynne Evans, accused of an 'inappropriate' sexual remark about Janette Manrara in January. Despite clearing his name in The Sun, the Beeb did not renew his Radio Wales contract. This month, the BBC suspended actor Jamie Borthwick over a slur against disabled people made on the Strictly set.
'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not.
'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.'
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Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment.
She is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the 'toxicity as the status quo'.
Meanwhile, it is claimed Charlie, 62, takes a more laidback approach and 'finishes filming then leaves'.
The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week.
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A source added: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways.
'She is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy — and is always trying to help others behind the scenes.
'Everyone feels like unless you're in Fredi's circle of favourites, you're likely to get a rough ride.'
In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie were 'good friends', amid reports they had fallen out.
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The battling Corporation has drafted in an external lawyer from top firm PwC to help speak to staff
Credit: BBC
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Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
BBC Breakfast boss takes ‘extended leave' after bullying claims
The editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, is taking an extended period of leave after allegations of bullying behaviour. It comes after the Sun and Deadline reported that an internal investigation is being carried out into allegations of bullying at the program. In March, Deadline reported that a minimum of two misconduct complaints had been made against Frediani. One complaint alleged that the editor physically shook a colleague during an interaction in the newsroom in 2024. More recently, Deadline also reported that BBC presenterNaga Munchetty had raised concerns with senior BBC figures regarding Frediani's conduct. In addition, some ITN employees were said to have described Frediani as a 'bully,' alleging that he had shouted at, sworn at, and intimidated colleagues. Sources told the outlet that multiple complaints had been submitted by staff members about his workplace conduct. The publication further reported that newsreader Tina Daheley had expressed reservations about working on News at One, a programme overseen by Frediani. She had originally been named as one of the bulletin's presenters before its relocation from London to Salford in May. Daheley has continued in her role as a newsreader on Radio 2 in London and was reportedly 'understandably very cross' when her photograph was omitted from a BBC press release about the scheduling changes. While the omission added to internal frustration, there is no suggestion that Frediani was responsible for the error. When contacted for comment, a BBC spokesperson told Metro: '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.' It was also previously reported BBC presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt had no relationship with Frediani due to the allegations. Frediani has been named in reports about bullying behaviour at ITN and BBC by Deadline, an industry website, and it was then claimed that he has a soured relationship with the BBC presenters. More Trending A senior BBC figure in Salford has said that he has 'no relationship with the stars'. 'Fredi has no relationship with Charlie and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster,' the source told The Times. Frediani has been the head of the program, which is broadcast daily from Salford, since 2019, and is also editor of the News at One. Last month, he accepted a Bafta Award when the show won best TV news coverage for an episode about the Post Office scandal. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Naga Munchetty fires back after BBC viewers tell her what to wear
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani 'takes extended period of leave after bullying probe was opened as bosses hold crisis talks amid claims he shook a female colleague'
BBC Breakfast's under-fire editor Richard Frediani has reportedly 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. It's now being reported by The Sun 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. It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Lineker's departure from the channel after becoming embroiled in a controversial row over antisemitism. An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him. The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief. One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him. 'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.' The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year. Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show. Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known. There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News. During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed. After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in. They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role. One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.' So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks? The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation. Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise. BBC Breakfast staff have said that they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani. 'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.' Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously. After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote. However one BBC source contested this statement, saying: 'The BBC claim to be such a wonderful employer and look after their staff. 'But it seems that's more likely to be the case if you are in the gang.'
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