Naga Munchetty And Charlie Stayt spotted at BBC studios as 'Hunger Games' Breakfast host 'faces bullying claims' and boss takes leave
Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were seen leaving the BBC studio's today amid claims the workplace was like 'the Hunger Games'.
Naga, 50, was spotted leaving the BBC Breakfast Studios in Salford, wearing a pair of sunglasses and wheeling a suitcase earlier this morning.
The presenter looked seemingly downcast amid claims she bullied a female junior staff member as well as a complaint she used a slang term for a sexual act off-air.
Elsewhere her co-presenter, Charlie, 63, briefly smiled as he left the BBC building, wearing a black coat, coupled with a white shirt and a pair of navy trousers.
Their latest sighting comes as their 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.
Now, a source has claimed the morning program has been 'ripped apart' with some staff members backing Naga and Richard, while others disagree with their approach.
A source told The Sun: 'Breakfast is no longer just divided, it's been ripped apart.'
They explained while many have welcomed the investigation into the workplace and Frediani, others support his 'tougher' and 'traditional journalistic' approach.
And with the emergence of 'two camps' on the show, the latest revelations about Naga are said to have 'thrown a new twist on the scandal'.
The presenter was seemingly downcast as she wore sunglasses and wheeled a suitcase as she left the building
'Some find her a passionate advocate of people behind the scenes, while others find her as difficult as Fredi,' they said.
'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.'
A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.'
Naga was punctual to work yesterday amid complaints put forward about alleged bullying and inappropriate language relating to a sex act.
It was also noticed that she and her co-host Charlie did not scan the morning newspapers, as is typically done on the breakfast show.
Naga also appeared tense in pictures taken of her and her colleague as they smoked cigarettes outside of the studio in Salford yesterday.
It comes after the journalist was reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live.
According to The Sun, Naga used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break in 2022, which stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses.
It was then reported that last year, Naga was spoken to over alleged bullying of a woman on BBC Breakfast.
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Naga Munchetty for comment.
It comes as it was also reported that BBC Breakfast's editor Richard has 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.
The Sun claimed 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.
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