Toxic feud destroying BBC Breakfast EXPOSED with bullying probe ‘tip of the iceberg' & Naga Munchetty at ‘her wits end'

Scottish Sun

5 hours ago

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THE toxic feud ripping apart BBC Breakfast can today be exposed in full – after The Sun revealed the show was facing a bullying probe.
Tension between presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes.
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Tension between BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt, above, and Naga Munchetty are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Presenter Naga is 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity
Credit: Getty
And workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani if they are not in his clique — with Naga 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity.
Many fear that Frediani, known as Fredi, feels he is 'untouchable' after helping the show win a Bafta TV Award last month.
And it was claimed some staff now avoid being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor.
The complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation.
READ MORE ON BBC
SHOW CRISIS BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga & Charlie spiral
The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them.
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.
'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.
Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV
'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.'
A BBC spokesperson said of the claims: '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.'
But the source said: 'With advertising revenues plummeting across commercial terrestrial telly, some younger members of staff feel like they have no alternative but to keep their heads down and try to weather the storm.'
Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment.
Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways
A source
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 'films his scenes then leaves'.
The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, whilst Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week.
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 and 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.
The Sun yesterday told how the BBC had launched an investigation into their flagship programme following claims of bullying.
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The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday
Credit: BBC
It is understood the probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019.
A source added: 'The BBC are keen to stress this is more of an informal probe than a formal investigation involving external lawyers. In which case, when it is widely known how unhappy staff have been, past and present, why are the Corporation relying solely on HR execs to come to a resolution?
'Given everything that has happened these past 18 months, it seems a strange move.'
Within hours of our story breaking, viewers were taking to X to question why the reported fallout had not featured in the show's newspaper review.
And there were calls for Frediani to be axed.
A whistleblower who previously worked with Frediani at both ITV and the Beeb also messaged to describe him as a 'bullying menace'.
BBC Breakfast deputy editor Liam Blyth has been holding sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review.
The meetings are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast.
It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints.
One led to a formal grievance last year.
It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints
A source
Accusers claimed they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person is said to have witnessed Frediani walking out of the production gallery and kicking a bin.
In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook the lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld.
The Sun has learned that the events have allegedly left staff 'living in fear' of Fredi.
One source said: 'It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat.
'It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints.
'Bit of a perfectionist'
'People want to feel like there are witnesses present and there is safety in numbers.
'With the whole production up in Manchester, too, there's a disconnect from HQ.'
Another insider added: 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies.
'He is very cerebral, but also quite aggressive in his methods.
'Some think a recent promotion has gone to his head.
'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act.
'The probe has really divided the newsroom.
'There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results.
'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.'
It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw shamed newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros under investigation and Match Of The Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for 'inappropriate' behaviour.
Just a month ago, Frediani was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal.
Crew feel the win has only heightened his behaviour as he is considered to be 'untouchable'.
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Show workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani
Credit: Getty
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Stars like Sally Nugent are loved by Frediani
Credit: BBC
Cuts across the TV industry have also left personnel worried about whether they would find work elsewhere if they spoke up and were axed, or chose to quit.
A source said: 'The majority feel there is no point in speaking up because Fredi is untouchable.
'Many staffers feel trapped because of the TV world shrinking.
'They're scrambling to stay in their jobs because, if they leave now and can't pivot into another role, they'll be another person in TV out of work.
'They're looking over at the ITV bloodbath — usually ITV would be where they'd go next — but now they can't even go there.
'Many staff relocated up to Manchester to work on the show, so there's that added complication, too.'
A BBC insider who has defended Frediani said: 'Yes, he is a bit of a perfectionist, but he is very well liked by many.
'He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.'
Last month, ITV announced a raft of swinging cuts to daytime shows Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning.
More than 220 jobs will be axed, while Loose Women and Lorraine's schedules will be slashed.