Latest news with #Salford
The Sun
3 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.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BBC Breakfast boss takes extended leave after bullying allegations
The editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, is taking an extended period of leave after allegations about his behaviour were reported in the media. An HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC is also supporting the corporation as it looks into the culture of the BBC One morning programme. It comes after the Sun and Deadline reported that an internal investigation is being carried out into allegations of bullying. The BBC 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". A BBC statement added: "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 has asked Mr Frediani for comment. He has been in charge of the programme, 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 Breakfast won best TV news coverage for a special episode about the Post Office scandal.
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani takes extended leave after bullying allegations
The editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, is taking an extended period of leave after allegations about his behaviour were reported in the HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC is also supporting the corporation as it looks into the culture of the BBC One morning comes after the Sun and Deadline reported that an internal investigation is being carried out into allegations of BBC 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". A BBC statement added: "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 has asked Mr Frediani for has been in charge of the programme, which is broadcast daily from Salford, since 2019, and is also editor of the News at month, he accepted a Bafta Award when Breakfast won best TV news coverage for a special episode about the Post Office scandal.
Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Telegraph
BBC hires lawyer to investigate Breakfast bullying allegations
The BBC has brought in an external consultant to help review the culture of its breakfast show following allegations of bullying and misconduct. The broadcaster's HR team has seconded a lawyer from PwC to deal with the crisis, sources said. The allegations surround Richard Frediani, editor of BBC Breakfast, who is said to be on an 'extended break' from the programme. Naga Munchetty, one of the show's presenters, is reported to be among the staff who have raised concerns. Mr Frediani took the helm in 2019 and has been the subject of at least two misconduct complaints. One woman had her grievance upheld after claiming that Mr Frediani physically shook her during a newsroom exchange last year. Despite that finding, Mr Frediani was handed further responsibility as editor of the BBC's News at One bulletin, which moved its base to Salford last year alongside the BBC Breakfast programme. Mr Frediani has not commented on the allegations, which also include reports of shouting, swearing and screaming at colleagues. One person alleged that the Bafta-winning editor, who joined the BBC from ITN, where he worked on ITV News, cornered a colleague against a wall and jabbed his finger at them while complaining about that morning's show. According to Deadline, insiders described Mr Frediani as a 'bruiser' who runs the breakfast show 'with an iron fist'. The Sun reported that the toxic atmosphere had also driven a wedge between Ms Munchetty and her co-presenter, Charlie Stayt. The BBC is under pressure to conduct a thorough investigation because the allegations come only weeks after it published an independent review into workplace culture. The corporation's chairman, Samir Shah, said after publication of the review that there is no place at the broadcaster for those who 'abuse power or punch down or behave badly'. The review told of 'untouchable' star names who were allowed to get away with bad behaviour, but also referred to some executives behind the camera. It said: 'We heard about a minority of people who behave unacceptably and whose behaviour is not addressed and impacts employees and freelancers. These people work in both on and off-air roles, dotted across the organisation in different functions and departments. 'They are often in positions where power could be abused. Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation. '[The BBC] states it has zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour, but the words do not align with the actual experience of some people working with or for the corporation.' 'Failure to act on Tim Westwood's behaviour' Responding to the allegations about the culture of BBC Breakfast, a 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 without 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.' In February, the BBC admitted that it had failed to act on concerns about Tim Westwood's 'bullying and misogynistic behaviour' during his years as a Radio DJ. Westwood declined an invitation to cooperate with the inquiry, citing the ongoing Met investigation, but has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. The broadcaster said that such behaviour 'was entirely incompatible with BBC values'.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Chelsee Healey watches in court as the father of her 15-month-old daughter is jailed for two years for role in 'wholesale' drug-dealing operation
TV star Chelsee Healey 's partner has been jailed for his role in a 'wholesale' drug-dealing operation. The 36-year-old Hollyoaks actress was in court to see Eddie Rainford, 32- father of her 15-month-old daughter - sentenced for supplying large quantities of cannabis. Chelsee, who plays Goldie McQueen on the Channel 4 soap, had tried to keep his identity a secret after they began dating four years ago, with only his first name being revealed to fans. She had previously described him as 'The One' and 'marriage material', saying she wanted someone who brought her 'peace and is drama-free'. But Manchester Crown Court heard how former Royal Marine commando Rainford, along with another man Jay Boyd, 28, had allegedly 'headed' an OCG (Organised Crime Gang) that dealt 'multi-kilos' of cannabis. Gwen Henshaw, prosecuting, described it as 'boutique' operation that involved selling various varieties of the drug, including 'Cali weed', 'Oreo Cookies' and 'Orange Cake' She said police heard Rainford and Boyd discussing 'taking 33 per cent' at a Costa coffee shop and that taking '4.5' was a 'risk'. Ms Heshaw said it was 'clear' each played a role in the operation and when warrants were executed at an address in Salford various small amounts of the drug were seized. Phone records showed the pair discussing drug deals and money and there were photos of large amounts of cash. In a message to a dealer who wanted to 'shift' different varieties of the drug it they were 'decent', Rainford replied: 'They're decent bro.' Ms Henshaw said there were references to '£10,000 plus' quantities of the drug and the pair were sentenced for selling 4.54kg, with a value of 'between £32,000 and £45,000'. 'It was clearly wholesaling, the Crown say, there was buying to pass on to others for distribution,' she said. Both Rainford and Boyd had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug between November 2022 and September 2023 - just four days after Chelsee was eliminated from ITV's Dancing on Ice. Rainford had been held on remand at HMP Forest Bank to await sentence after being recalled to prison. He'd previously been sentenced to six years for violent offences while serving with Royal Marines, court-marshalled and released from prison in July 2022. Mark Friend, defending Rainford who has three previous convictions for five offences, said it was not a 'sophisticated' operation and he disputed the pair had been part of an OCG. He said Rainford had served his county well in Africa, the Middle East and on the North Korea-South Korea border and been recommended for the special forces. He now wanted to lead a decent life with his partner and her two daughters and put his criminal past behind him, Mr Friend added. Tanya Alahi, defending Boyd, said, he was 'remorseful' and regretted his 'stupid mistake'. Judge Peter Horgan said it was 'inappropriate' to describe it as an OCG operation but nevertheless the drug dealing had spanned a ten-month period. The judge acknowledged that Rainford had served his country with distinction but said that 'for some reason' he became involved in dealing cannabis for financial gain. He sentenced Rainford to 24 months in prison and Boyd to 20 months saying only a custodial sentence - rather than a suspended one - was appropriate. Chelsee, who was sat in the public gallery, showed no emotion as her partner was jailed. 'Have you got what you want now?' she said to a journalist as she left court. 'Someone's misfortune'. After her Dancing on Ice exit, Chelsee had hinted at the tough time she had endured away from the cameras, saying: 'I feel, personally, there's been a lot going on with me that I've been struggling with, so I couldn't completely focus. 'I'm just really grateful, I've had the best time.' A source told The Sun that what Chelsee was desperately struggling with at the time was Rainford's being in court on drugs charges. She had had kept his identity under wraps since they began dating in 2021. His first name was revealed after the birth of of their daughter Cookie in December 2023 when Chelsee's Hollyoaks co-star Richard Blackwood shared photos of her baby shower on Instagram - with one showing Rainford. Chelsee also shared a selection of pictures on social media of Rainford on his birthday in April last year. And fans speculated that the pair, both from Salford, had secretly married when she referred to him as her 'husband'. Chelsee, who also has daughter Coco, seven, from another relationship, previously said that her relationship with Rainford was the 'most supportive' she'd ever been in. She told Closer Magazine in July 2023: 'My friends and family love him, and he's the first bloke I've introduced Coco to, which says a lot. I knew he was 'The One' within three to four months. I've kissed a few frogs, but he's definitely marriage material.' She said she'd bene in 'toxic and abusive' relationships in the past but with Eddie it was 'completely different' adding: I just want someone who brings me peace and is drama-free and this feels right. In April, Chelsee returned to filming for Hollyoaks after taking an extended break. But she sparked concern among fans after saying she was 'struggling', 'putting on a brave face' and was 'on a downward spiral' in a social media post the following month.
