12 hours ago
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani on ‘extended leave' as bullying scandal rages on
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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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.
'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.
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.
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.'
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.
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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