Naga Munchetty is reportedly facing a formal investigation following allegations of ‘bullying’ behind the scenes on BBC Breakfast, as her future on the programme remains in doubt
Naga Munchetty is facing a formal investigation by the BBC, according to reports. The presenter has been accused of bullying behind the scenes on BBC B and will now be fully investigated.
In recent months, the programme has been surrounded by allegations of being a toxic workplace, with a string of claims made against Naga, who also presents on BBC Radio 5 Live. The allegations surrounding the 50-year-old were previously “under review,” but last week, this was escalated.
Sources claim that Naga’s position on the programme may now be in doubt following the departure of Deborah Turness, who was Head of News until she stepped down amidst the Donald Trump speech furore. Deborah had allegedly “protected” members of the talent team, including Naga.
“The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast’s neck since June, when the endemic bullying at MediaCity was first exposed by The Sun,” a source told The Sun. They added: “Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite — with further complaints against her.
“They had no choice but to take things from the slightly softer ‘under review’ to formal investigation.” BBC News claims that an HR adviser from PwC is helping the corporation, looking into the culture of the show.
Tim Davie, who has since resigned as BBC director-general, and BBC board chairman Samir Shah vowed in April to “draw a line in the sand” after an independent review found some “well-known names” were “not being held to account for poor behaviour”.
The workplace culture review, led by management consultant Grahame Russell from Change Associates, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards.
Allegations relating to Naga vary from allegedly hitting out at an intern for spreading Marmite on her toast incorrectly, and making an unwanted sexual remark to a female colleague.
Naga also allegedly hit out, claiming her porridge was “too hot” and she wasn’t a fan of blueberries, which had been used as a topping. BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani had also faced accusations of bullying before Naga and her co-anchor, Charlie Stayt, faced claims. The complaints about Frediani were not upheld. Stayt is said to remain “under review”.
Sources have claimed that Deborah and former Director General Tim Davie had “pandered” to some talent. The source went on to claim that people had allegedly been “protected” by Davie and Turness but may now be “fearful” for their future at the license-fee-funded corporation.
Naga earns between £355,000 and £359,000 for her role on the early morning news programme. Her pay band has increased over the last year, as she previously earned between £345,000 to £355,000.
However, her co-anchor, Charlie, who has been on the show since 2014, is paid within the £190,000 salary bracket, half of what Naga earns for the show.
But her team are said to be approaching competitors for a new role. These are said to include LBC and Sky News, with Naga open to new opportunities.
Complaints against Naga were sent via the BBC’s Call It Out Scheme, which was launched after the scandal surrounding former MasterChef stars Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
On Friday, a BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: “We do not comment on individual HR matters.”
The Mirror has approached representatives for Naga Munchetty.
Source: Mirror
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