BBC Breakfast likened to ‘the Hunger Games' amid toxicity claims and Naga Munchetty bullying row
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.
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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.
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.
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