BBC below fireplace over ‘derisory’ dealing with of presenter photograph claims
The BBC has come below fireplace for its dealing with of allegations a presenter paid a weak teenager for specific footage.
The unnamed BBC star has been accused of paying {the teenager} greater than £35,000 since they have been 17, which they’re mentioned to have used to fund a crack cocaine dependancy.
The younger individual’s household is claimed to have complained to the BBC in May however approached a newspaper after the presenter remained on air.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Tory chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, mentioned she was involved that the company had taken “a very long time” to analyze the allegations.
She mentioned: “It’s vital that TV companies have in place the right systems and processes to ensure their stars, who have disproportionate power and influence over the lives and careers of others, don’t abuse it.
“Clearly the BBC now has some inquiries to reply. There is stress on their HR division to analyze these newest claims shortly and clarify what has occurred since this story first got here to gentle again in May.”
Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel said the broadcaster’s response had been “derisory”.
She said: “They should present the sufferer and his household a full and clear investigation.
“The BBC which is funded by licence payment payers has turn out to be a faceless and unaccountable organisation.”
Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns added: “The public deserve to know what the BBC did to investigate why a taxpayer-funded presenter was sending thousands of pounds in cash to a 17-year-old teenager.”
Government minister Victoria Atkins mentioned the BBC should act “very swiftly” over the claims.
Financial secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins advised Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “These are very, very severe allegations and the BBC have mentioned they’ve processes in place.
“But as public consideration and concern grows the BBC goes to should act very swiftly to cope with these allegations and to set out what they’re doing to analyze them.”
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the star should not stay in his job while an investigation is carried out.
The Labour MP said: “The concept that some presenters assume that they act with impunity and so they can get away with these kinds of issues, it does name into query the ethics, the investigations, how lengthy these items take.
“The BBC, but in addition different broadcasters, do must get a grip as a result of we appear to lurch from one scandal to a different and extra must be performed.”
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The younger individual’s mom is claimed to have approached the BBC on May 19 and pleaded with them to make the star “stop sending the cash”.
They advised The Sun: “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.
“Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.”
In the most recent claims, the Mirror reported that the host partied with BBC bosses at an awards ceremony after the allegations were made.
It has also been alleged the presenter appeared in his underwear in a video call with the young person.
The host is not due to be on air in the near future but it is not clear if there has been a formal suspension.
A number of BBC stars yesterday rushed to distance themselves from the claims amid frenzied hypothesis on social media.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: “Hate to disappoint the haters nevertheless it’s not me.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Rylan Clark mentioned: “Not certain why my identify’s floating about however re that story within the Sun – that ain’t me babe. I’m presently filming a present in Italy for the BBC, so take my identify out ya mouths.”
Fellow Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine added: “Just to say I’m very a lot trying ahead to internet hosting my radio present on Monday – whoever the ‘BBC Presenter’ within the news is, I’ve the identical message for you as Rylan did earlier: it actually ain’t me.”
Nicky Campbell, the BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, said he had contacted the police about being mentioned in connection with the story.
He added: “I think it’s important to take a stand. There are just too many of these people on social media.”
A BBC spokesperson mentioned: “We deal with any allegations very significantly and we’ve got processes in place to proactively cope with them.
“As part of that, if we receive information that requires further investigation or examination we will take steps to do this. That includes actively attempting to speak to those who have contacted us in order to seek further detail and understanding of the situation.
“If we get no reply to our makes an attempt or obtain no additional contact that may restrict our capacity to progress issues nevertheless it doesn’t imply our enquiries cease.
“If, at any point, new information comes to light or is provided – including via newspapers – this will be acted upon appropriately, in line with internal processes.”