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NDTV
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Indian-Origin BBC Presenter Naga Munchetty Accused Of Inappropriate Off-Air Behaviour And Bullying
Indian-origin BBC presenter Naga Munchetty is under fire after allegations of inappropriate off-air conduct and bullying, The Sun reported. The 50-year-old who is already at the centre of a BBC Breakfast toxicity row was reportedly reprimanded by bosses over two incidents in three years. The management also hauled her in over a comment she made during a break on Radio 5 Live. She allegedly used a crude slang term for a sex act and then directed the question at a colleague. The incident, which occurred in 2022, stunned the Radio 5 Live studio and led to Ms Mnchetty being hauled before bosses. According to The Sun, a senior producer reprimanded Ms Munchetty, but no formal action was taken. The 2022 incident was "crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional," one insider said, adding that the person on the receiving end "felt embarrassed". In a separate incident on the BBC Breakfast show last year, the outlet reported that Ms Munchetty was allegedly involved in the bullying of a junior staff member. She falsely accused a female junior staffer of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown. "It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised," the insider said. "That wasn't an isolated incident. It really is the tip of the iceberg," said another insider. Notably, the recent revelations come at a time when the BBC is facing scrutiny over multiple misconduct cases involving its on-air talent. According to The Times, BBC Breakfast show's editor Richard Frediani is at the centre of a formal bullying investigation. The outlet is conducting an internal review into his behaviour and general allegations of toxicity on the show. Staff have been approached about sharing their experience of working on the programme, according to Deadline. Mr Frediani, on the other hand, has taken an extended period of leave after the allegations about his behaviour. He has been accused of shouting at staff for on-air mistakes, kicking a bin and pressuring staff on central news desks not to withhold their best stories for the 6 pm and 10 pm bulletins. A BBC spokesperson said it did not comment on individual cases but takes "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,' the spokesperson added.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Moment Naga Munchetty discusses what's 'appropriate in the workplace' with BBC Breakfast star amid reported claims she 'bullied a colleague and made off-air sex jibe'
Watch the moment Naga Munchetty discusses what's 'appropriate in the workplace' with BBC Breakfast reporter Matt Taylor amid reported claims she 'bullied a colleague and made off-air sex jibe' in misconduct probe. It comes after N aga, 50, was reportedly accused of bullying a member of staff. During Friday's instalment of the BBC show, Naga and her co-host Charlie Stayt, 63, were interested to know if weatherman Matt Taylor, 49, was wearing shorts while presenting a segment from an outdoor swimming pool. Matt confessed: 'While I'm by the pool so it has to be! Why not?! Let's join the crowd.' Charlie added that they are 'work-appropriate shorts'. Naga added: 'For some people, shorts absolute no no. During Friday's instalment of the BBC show, Naga and her co-host Charlie Stayt, 63, were interested to know if weatherman Matt Taylor, 49, was wearing shorts while presenting a segment from an outdoor swimming pool (pictured) Later on in the episode there was another awkward moment, Naga was also keen to know business reporter Peter Ruddick's stance on if he would wear shorts in the office as he spoke during a tourism segment (pictured) 'It is obviously probably the most comfortable option during the heatwave, but it depends on your work place dress code and nature of your job.' Later on in the episode there was another awkward moment, Naga was also keen to know business reporter Peter Ruddick's stance on if he would wear shorts in the office as he spoke during a tourism segment. 'Where do you stand on shorts in the office?,' she asked. Peter replied: 'I'm very against shorts in the office. Yeah especially this office, the air con is really high. You really don't need them. ' Naga asked: 'What about when you step out?' He replied: 'There's a level of professionalism...' and Naga turned back to her co-star Charlie as he giggled away. 'I think the knee is a question. I haven't looked at Matt's knees this morning.' Naga, who is already at the centre of BBC Breakfast's toxicity row, was also reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live. Naga's representatives have been approached for comment and it is unclear whether she will rebut the claims in The Sun. This comes as BBC Breakfast finds itself at the centre of a bullying and misconduct probe, with editor Richard Frediani taking an extended period of leave after an internal review of the allegations was opened into the show. According to The Sun, Naga used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break. The alleged remark in 2022 was said to have stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses. The presenter, 50, who is already at the centre of BBC Breakfast's toxicity row, was also reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live It was then reported that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was spoken to over alleged bullying of a woman. The BBC are now reportedly facing questions over whether there are 'double standards'. When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Naga Munchetty for comment. It comes as it was also reported that BBC Breakfast's editor Richard Frediani 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. It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Lineker's departure from the channel after becoming embroiled in a controversial row over antisemitism. An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him. The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief. One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him. 'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.' The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year. Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show. Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known. There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News. During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed. After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in. They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role. One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.' So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks? The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation. Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise. BBC Breakfast staff have said that they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani. 'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.' Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously. After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote. However one BBC source contested this statement, saying: 'The BBC claim to be such a wonderful employer and look after their staff.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Naga Munchetty seen arriving at BBC studios after allegations she BULLIED a junior staffer & ‘made an off-air sex jibe'
PRESENTER Naga Munchetty has been seen arriving at the BBC studios this morning following allegations she bullied a junior staffer. The star, 50, was 3 BBC presenter Naga Munchetty was spotted arriving at the BBC Breakfast studios this morning Credit: mancpicss66 3 It has been revealed the star was reprimanded twice by her bosses over two incidents in three years - including allegations of bullying a junior staffer and making an off-air sex jibe Credit: mancpicss66 3 Naga allegedly used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break while working for Radio 5 Live Credit: BBC Today, Naga was seen opting for the backdoor as she arrived at the BBC Breakfast studio in Salford, Manchester, this morning for her regular slot. The star, who has been a staple on the broadcaster's flagship breakfast show since 2010, has found her self at the centre of a On top of the alleged tensions between presenters, the show's editor Richard Frediani has Just this week, Naga was revealed to have been spoken to by bosses over two separate incidents in three years. The star is said to have used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break on a BBC Radio 5 Live show — before asking a colleague if they had done it. The alleged remark stunned the studio and led to Naga being hauled before bosses. She was reprimanded by a senior producer but no formal action was taken. The comment became widely known at 5 Live, with one source describing the 2022 incident as: 'Crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional. The person felt embarrassed.' Most read in News TV The Sun also revealed today that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was rapped for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer on the show. As part of the bullying behaviour, the star is said to have falsely accused her of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown. The source said: 'It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.' Another insider added: 'That wasn't an isolated incident. It really is the tip of the iceberg.' Naga is the first female presenter to be caught up in the series of scandals which have gripped the Beeb. Strictly's But the BBC is now facing questions of double standards. A Breakfast insider said: 'If a male presenter made a sexual comment like that or falsely accused someone of theft, he'd be out the door. But with Naga, it gets brushed off.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' Breakfast is already in turmoil amid claims of a 'deeply divided workplace' and The flagship show's editor Richard Frediani is at the centre of a formal bullying investigation, as we revealed on Monday. Yesterday, it was confirmed the BBC was conducting an internal review into his behaviour and general allegations of toxicity on the show. An internal email was sent to the BBC Breakfast team thanking them for their 'professionalism' as they continue their work amid the row. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Read more on the Irish Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Naga Munchetty seen arriving at BBC studios after allegations she BULLIED a junior staffer & ‘made an off-air sex jibe'
PRESENTER Naga Munchetty has been seen arriving at the BBC studios this morning following allegations she bullied a junior staffer. The star, 50, was reprimanded by bosses over two incidents in a three-year period - including for allegations she made an off-air sex jibe. 5 5 5 Today, Naga was seen opting for the backdoor as she arrived at the BBC Breakfast studio in Salford, Manchester, this morning for her regular slot. The star, who has been a staple on the broadcaster's flagship breakfast show since 2010, has found her self at the centre of a toxicity row. On top of the alleged tensions between presenters, the show's editor Richard Frediani has now taken leave amid separate bullying claims. Just this week, Naga was revealed to have been spoken to by bosses over two separate incidents in three years. The star is said to have used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break on a BBC Radio 5 Live show — before asking a colleague if they had done it. The alleged remark stunned the studio and led to Naga being hauled before bosses. She was reprimanded by a senior producer but no formal action was taken. The comment became widely known at 5 Live, with one source describing the 2022 incident as: 'Crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional. The person felt embarrassed.' The Sun also revealed today that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was rapped for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer on the show. As part of the bullying behaviour, the star is said to have falsely accused her of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown. The source said: 'It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.' Another insider added: 'That wasn't an isolated incident. It really is the tip of the iceberg.' Naga is the first female presenter to be caught up in the series of scandals which have gripped the Beeb. Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima had to leave over bullying claims, and Wynne Evans quit the live tour over the word 'spitroast', which can be a sexual reference. But the BBC is now facing questions of double standards. A Breakfast insider said: 'If a male presenter made a sexual comment like that or falsely accused someone of theft, he'd be out the door. But with Naga, it gets brushed off.' 5 5 A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' Breakfast is already in turmoil amid claims of a 'deeply divided workplace' and off-air tensions between Naga and co-host Charlie Stayt. The flagship show's editor Richard Frediani is at the centre of a formal bullying investigation, as we revealed on Monday. Yesterday, it was confirmed the BBC was conducting an internal review into his behaviour and general allegations of toxicity on the show. An internal email was sent to the BBC Breakfast team thanking them for their 'professionalism' as they continue their work amid the row.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Indian-origin BBC star Naga Munchetty accused of bullying junior, reprimanded by bosses over 'sex jibe'
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty, 50, is facing fresh scrutiny after being accused of inappropriate behaviour and bullying in incidents spanning across the BBC Breakfast studio and Radio 5 Live, according to a report by The Sun. The presenter, already at the centre of a reported toxic workplace culture on BBC Breakfast, was reportedly hauled in by management following an off-air comment made during a break on Radio 5 Live. Munchetty is said to have used crude slang referencing a sex act and then directed the question at a colleague. The incident, which occurred in 2022, left the studio stunned. 'She was reprimanded by a senior producer but no formal action was taken,' said one insider. The remark soon became widely known within the Radio 5 Live team. One source described the moment as 'crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional,' adding that the person on the receiving end 'felt embarrassed.' In a separate incident on the BBC Breakfast show last year, Munchetty was allegedly involved in the bullying of a junior staff member. She reportedly accused the woman, the most junior on the team, of stealing without presenting any evidence. The confrontation led to a closed-door exchange, after which no apology followed. 'It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised,' said a source. Another insider described the episode as part of a larger issue. 'That wasn't an isolated incident. It really is the tip of the iceberg.' These revelations come at a time when the BBC is grappling with multiple misconduct cases involving its on-air talent. Naga is the first female presenter to be publicly named in connection with these controversies, following high-profile exits from Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima over bullying allegations and Wynne Evans who withdrew from a live tour over the use of the word 'spitroast,' a term with sexual connotations. Criticism is now being directed at the BBC over perceived double standards in how such complaints are handled. A Breakfast insider stated, 'If a male presenter made a sexual comment like that or falsely accused someone of theft, he'd be out the door. But with Naga, it gets brushed off.' Meanwhile, the show's editor, Richard Frediani, has taken leave amid a formal bullying investigation. An internal review into his conduct and broader claims of toxicity on the programme is underway. In a recent email to the Breakfast team, BBC management thanked staff for their 'professionalism' during the ongoing situation. A BBC spokesperson commented, 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' A representative for Naga Munchetty did not respond to a request for comment.
