Latest news with #Frediani
India Today
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Indian-origin BBC journalist Naga Munchetty accused of bullying, misconduct
Indian-origin BBC presenter Naga Munchetty is facing allegations of bullying and inappropriate off-air behaviour. The 50-year-old has reportedly been reprimanded by BBC bosses over two incidents in the past three years. One of these involved a crude comment made during a break, where Munchetty allegedly used a slang term for a sex act and directed it at a another incident reported in 2024, Munchetty allegedly accused a junior female colleague on BBC Breakfast of stealing, an accusation insiders claim was false. The confrontation reportedly occurred behind closed was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised," an insider told The Sun, adding that this was not an isolated case: "It really is the tip of the iceberg." The 2022 incident reportedly shocked those present in the studio, prompting management to speak to Munchetty.A senior producer is said to have reprimanded her, although no formal disciplinary action followed. One insider described the moment as "crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional," adding that the person targeted "felt embarrassed".These revelations come amid heightened scrutiny of the BBC over workplace misconduct, with multiple allegations emerging involving senior Times recently reported that the BBC Breakfast editor, Richard Frediani, is currently under formal investigation for bullying. Staff have been asked to share their experiences of working on the programme, according to Deadline, a UK has taken extended leave following accusations that include shouting at staff, kicking a bin, and pressuring news teams not to save major stories for evening bulletins. One particularly serious allegation claims he shook a female the controversy, Munchetty appeared on air on BBC Breakfast on June 20 (Friday), co-hosting alongside Charlie Stayt. Reports indicate that she had previously raised concerns with BBC leadership about Frediani's conduct, even as allegations about her own behaviour within the BBC told The Times that Munchetty and Stayt had a strained relationship with Frediani, with minimal communication between them. "Fredi has no relationship with Charlie and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster," a senior figure in Salford said. 'It appears he doesn't like them and they don't like him for whatever reason, they don't talk to each other," he to the reports, a BBC spokesperson 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."
ITV News
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani takes extended leave over bullying claims
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani is to take an extended period of leave after bullying allegations were made against him. It comes after industry publication Deadline reported complaints over Mr Frediani's conduct. Allegations reported by Deadline included shouting and swearing at colleagues. The publication also reported that a woman had her grievance upheld after claiming that Mr Frediani physically shook her in the newsroom. Media outlets also reported that an internal investigation is being carried out into the allegations. A BBC spokesperson 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." BBC News reported that an HR advisor from the consultancy firm PwC has been brought in to support the BBC's investigation into the culture of the broadcaster's flagship morning programme. PwC has declined to comment. Mr Frediani joined the award-winning show, produced in Salford, in 2019. His role was later extended to producing News at One last year. Before joining the BBC, Mr Frediani worked for ITN, where he held senior roles on the team that produces ITV News. He accepted the Bafta Award in May for best TV news coverage of the Post Office scandal. In April an independent review into the BBC found there was not a "toxic culture" but reforms where needed to take quicker action against staff who step out of line. At the time BBC chairman Samir Shah told presenters: "After today, let me state it clearly, if you think you're too big a star or too important to live by the values of this organisation, not only are you wrong, but we will find you out." He also said he would draw "a line in the sand".
Metro
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC star Naga Munchetty faces bullying allegations and 'sex jibe' claims
Naga Munchetty hosted BBC Breakfast on Friday morning amid a report she has faced bullying allegations. The 50-year-old presenter hosted the BBC flagship morning programme alongside Charlie Stayt. It was reported earlier this year that an internal investigation was being carried out into allegations of bullying at the program. It has since emerged that the editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, is taking an extended period of leave after allegations of bullying behaviour, including a claim he shook a female colleague. Deadline reported that Munchetty had raised concerns with senior BBC figures regarding Frediani's conduct, amid other misconduct complaints colleagues made against Frediani. The Sun has now reported claims that Munchetty faced her own bullying allegations. She is said to have been spoken to by BBC bosses over two incidents in three years. Munchetty is also reported to have used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break at Radio 5 Live in 2022, reportedly leaving the studio 'stunned'. No formal action was taken, but Munchetty is said to have been spoken to about the incident. It was previously reported that co-hosts Munchetty and Stayt had no relationship with show producer Frediani, amid the allegations of bullying behaviour against him. A senior BBC figure in Salford told The Times: 'Fredi has no relationship with Charlie and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster. 'It appears he doesn't like them and they don't like him — for whatever reason, they don't talk to each other.' More Trending Frediani has been the head of the program, which is broadcast daily from Salford, since 2019, and is also editor of the News at One. He last month accepted a Bafta Award when BBC Breakfast won best TV news coverage for an episode dedicated to the Post Office scandal. A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' Metro has contacted a representative of Naga Munchetty for comment. View More » BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'I beat the system and proved I didn't need a TV licence' MORE: More schedule changes confirmed as EastEnders is pulled from BBC One MORE: All BBC Casualty spoilers for this week as Flynn makes a move
Metro
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC Breakfast boss takes ‘extended leave' after bullying claims
The editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, is taking an extended period of leave after allegations of bullying behaviour. It comes after the Sun and Deadline reported that an internal investigation is being carried out into allegations of bullying at the program. In March, Deadline reported that a minimum of two misconduct complaints had been made against Frediani. One complaint alleged that the editor physically shook a colleague during an interaction in the newsroom in 2024. More recently, Deadline also reported that BBC presenterNaga Munchetty had raised concerns with senior BBC figures regarding Frediani's conduct. In addition, some ITN employees were said to have described Frediani as a 'bully,' alleging that he had shouted at, sworn at, and intimidated colleagues. Sources told the outlet that multiple complaints had been submitted by staff members about his workplace conduct. The publication further reported that newsreader Tina Daheley had expressed reservations about working on News at One, a programme overseen by Frediani. She had originally been named as one of the bulletin's presenters before its relocation from London to Salford in May. Daheley has continued in her role as a newsreader on Radio 2 in London and was reportedly 'understandably very cross' when her photograph was omitted from a BBC press release about the scheduling changes. While the omission added to internal frustration, there is no suggestion that Frediani was responsible for the error. When contacted for comment, a BBC spokesperson told Metro: '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.' It was also previously reported BBC presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt had no relationship with Frediani due to the allegations. Frediani has been named in reports about bullying behaviour at ITN and BBC by Deadline, an industry website, and it was then claimed that he has a soured relationship with the BBC presenters. More Trending A senior BBC figure in Salford has said that he has 'no relationship with the stars'. 'Fredi has no relationship with Charlie and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster,' the source told The Times. Frediani has been the head of the program, which is broadcast daily from Salford, since 2019, and is also editor of the News at One. Last month, he accepted a Bafta Award when the show won best TV news coverage for an episode about the Post Office scandal. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Naga Munchetty fires back after BBC viewers tell her what to wear
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani on ‘extended leave' as bullying scandal rages on
It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months 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. Advertisement 5 Under-fire BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has taken an 'extended period of leave' in the wake of bullying allegations Credit: BBC 5 Employees have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process Credit: BBC 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. Advertisement '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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 5 The battling Corporation has drafted in an external lawyer from top firm PwC to help speak to staff Credit: BBC 5 Monday's front page this week
