"The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.”
BBC presenter Naga Munchetty has been accused of bullying a junior colleague and making an inappropriate sexual remark on air.
The claims emerge as BBC Breakfast faces internal upheaval.
Richard Frediani, editor of the programme and BBC News at One, has taken “extended leave” following separate allegations of bullying.
It was reported that the BBC hired an external consultant to review workplace culture at BBC Breakfast. A lawyer from PricewaterhouseCoopers was reportedly seconded to the HR department to assist with the matter.
Naga is said to be among those who raised concerns about Frediani, who has been the subject of at least two formal misconduct complaints.
However, she is now facing allegations herself.
Naga is said to have used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break before asking a colleague if they had done it.
The alleged remark stunned the Radio 5 Live studio and led to Naga being hauled before bosses. She was reprimanded by a senior producer but no formal action was taken.
On BBC Breakfast in 2024, she was rapped for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer.
As part of the bullying behaviour, Naga Munchetty is said to have falsely accused her of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown.
A source said: “It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.”
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on individual cases but said:
“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.”
Reports suggest that BBC Breakfast has become a tense and divided workplace.
According to The Sun, the strained atmosphere has created friction between Munchetty and her long-time co-presenter Charlie Stayt.
Insiders described Frediani’s editorial approach as forceful.
One source said “he’s a bruiser” who managed the show “with an iron fist”.
Others defended his leadership style.
Frediani has not responded publicly to the allegations, which include claims of shouting, swearing and screaming at colleagues.
The BBC is under growing pressure to act decisively. These claims follow a recent independent review into workplace culture at the broadcaster.
Conducted by Samir Shah, the corporation’s chairman, the review warned of damaging behaviour from high-profile figures.
The review described “untouchable” star names and executives whose behaviour went unchecked.
It stated: “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.”
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