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BBC Breakfast boss takes extended leave after allegations about behaviour

BBC Breakfast boss takes extended leave after allegations about behaviour

Richard Frediani has been in charge of the morning show since 2019 and accepted a Bafta last month when BBC Breakfast: The Post Office Special scooped the news coverage award.
Media outlets reported that an internal investigation is being carried out following allegations of bullying.
BBC News reported that an HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC is also supporting the corporation as it looks into the culture of the morning TV show.
Meanwhile, The Sun newspaper has reported that BBC bosses have spoken to Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty about two alleged incidents, which include an allegation of bullying, in three years.
A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.'
It is understood that any complaint at the BBC is reviewed on its own merits and the appropriate action taken as a result, with a range of actions on the table.
In April, BBC executives Tim Davie and Samir Shah vowed that 'today is the day we draw a line in the sand' after an independent review found some 'well-known names' are 'not being held to account for poor behaviour'.
The workplace culture review, led by management consultant Grahame Russell from Change Associates, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards.

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Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Sun's exposé on toxic BBC Breakfast has ripped a chasm through the show — with staff likening the workplace to Hunger Games. We told this week how editor Richard Frediani is on extended leave amid bullying claims, and separate complaints were made about host Naga Munchetty. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Breakfast co-host Naga Munchetty looked tense as she smoked a cigarette before today's show Credit: Zenpix 4 Viewers noticed Naga and co-host, Charlie Stayt, failed to browse the day's newspapers, as is customary Credit: Zenpix 4 A source said: 'Breakfast is no longer just divided, it's been ripped apart' Credit: BBC Crew are trapped in the middle as the scandal has triggered stories from opposing sides. Staff are terrified about what is going to come out in case they are caught in the crossfire. A source said: 'Breakfast is no longer just divided, it's been ripped apart. "Some workers back Frediani's tougher, more traditional journalistic approach and think the 'softies' need thicker skin. 'Others find him to be a bully and have welcomed the investigation into his behaviour. That 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.' Naga arrived for work promptly yesterday despite our front page on two complaints lodged against her for bullying and making a slang term for a sexual act. Viewers noticed Naga, 50, and co-host, Charlie Stayt, 63, failed to browse the day's newspapers, as is customary. She also looked tense as the pair smoked cigarettes outside the Salford studio. BBC star Naga Munchetty hauled in by bosses over allegations she BULLIED a junior staffer and 'made an off-air sex jibe' Naga, who has also worked across Radio 5 Live, was hauled before bosses for the incidents in 2022 and 2024 and reprimanded but no formal action was taken. Her supporters believe she is at the 'end of her tether' with the fractious working environment. They add: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating, particularly with Fredi. '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.' However, another insider has shared opinion that Frediani's tough leadership may be a response to Naga's behaviour, not the cause of the problem. The source said: 'Managing Naga is a full-time job. She makes it incredibly hard to do the job and when Fredi tries to enforce boundaries and run a tight ship, he gets accused of being draconian. 'People are too scared to challenge her, because of who she is.' Among the divide are those who are just trying to uphold the BBC's standards on the show. A separate source said: 'The fact remains that bad behaviour is bad behaviour and no one — be it bosses, talent, crew — should be above reproach.' BBC said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' Naga and Frediani's representatives were approached for comment. 4 We told this week how editor Richard Frediani, centre, is on extended leave amid bullying claims Credit: Getty Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.

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