Naga Munchetty’s BBC future ‘hanging by a thread’ as formal probe is launched into her ‘bullying’ behaviour
A FORMAL probe has been launched into alleged bullying by Naga Munchetty — leaving her position at the BBC hanging by a thread, sources claim.
The Breakfast presenter’s conduct had been “under review” but bosses escalated it to a full investigation this week.
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A formal probe has been launched into alleged bullying by Naga MunchettyCredit: BBC
Presenter Munchetty’s conduct had been ‘under review’ but a full investigation has now been launchedCredit: BBC
Breakfast co-presenters Charlie Stayt and NagaCredit: BBC
We first revealed in June that the BBC One morning show was facing a bullying inquiry amid claims of a toxic workplace.
However a string of further allegations against Munchetty, who also works for Radio 5 Live, has come to light, an insider told The Sun.
There is speculation that she may be particularly vulnerable after the departure of Head of News, Deborah Turness, who quit on Sunday over the edit of a Donald Trump speech.
Munchetty, 50, is among BBC “talent” who were said to have been “protected” by Turness.
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We can also reveal that the telly presenter has parted ways with her long-standing showbiz agent.
Her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah’s departure isn’t exactly a coincidence.
Source
A source said: “The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast’s neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun.
“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.
“Of course, her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah’s departure isn’t exactly a coincidence.”
Breakfast boss Richard Frediani initially faced bully claims before Munchetty and her co-host Charlie Stayt, 63, were also accused.
Complaints against Frediani were eventually not upheld, which some saw as the cue for Munchetty’s exit.
Accusations against her range from laying into an intern for incorrectly spreading Marmite on her toast through to making an unwelcome, sexual remark to a female colleague.
Meanwhile, Stayt remains “under review”.
Some complaints were raised under the BBC’s Call It Out scheme – set up in the aftermath of the scandal over former MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
Munchetty also no longer has heavyweight showbiz agency M&C Saatchi in her corner.
The firm confirmed to The Sun it no longer represented her.
Keen to jump ship
It dropped former One Show host Jermaine Jenas amid his BBC sexting scandal.
Instead, inquiries for her are directed to Kruger Cowne, an agency which largely represents after-dinner speakers.
Turness and director-general Tim Davie’s bombshell resignations have sparked concern among some at the Beeb.
A source told The Sun: “It was felt by many that both Tim and Deborah pandered to certain talent.
“There’s a feeling now that those who had perhaps been protected might now be somewhat fearful.”
Munchetty is due on the Breakfast sofa today, a role for which she earns a salary between £355,000 and £359,000.
But she is keen to jump ship, with her team reportedly approaching LBC and Sky News to explore opportunities.
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The BBC said: “We do not comment on individual HR matters.”
An agent for Munchetty declined to comment.
