Presenter Suspended by BBC Amid Allegations of Paying Teenager for Indecent Images

BBC Presenter Suspended Amidst Allegations of Exchange of Money for Sexually Explicit Images

The BBC announced on Sunday the suspension of a prominent presenter facing serious allegations of acquiring sexually explicit photos from a minor.

As the news sparked concern among senior British politicians calling for a prompt investigation, the BBC is hastily looking into “a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances."

The national broadcaster's quick response is aimed at tackling a potentially escalating crisis after The Sun reported allegations of the male presenter paying up to £35,000 to a then 17-year-old, starting in 2020.

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The identity of the presenter and the complainant remains undisclosed, although several BBC’s high-profile stars have clarified, it wasn't them amidst speculation on social media.

Though legally, the age of sexual consent in Britain is 16, it is illegal to make or own indecent images of anyone under 18.

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According to The Sun, the minor’s mother had lodged a complaint against the presenter to the BBC in May, yet the presenter continued to appear on the air.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the BBC claimed that it “first became aware of a complaint in May,” but that “new allegations of a different nature were put forward on Thursday.”

The BBC affirmed its commitment towards serious allegations and assured internal processes in place to address them. External authorities have also been contacted, although the corporation did not specify if it was the police.

“This is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working swiftly to ascertain the facts to inform proper next steps,” the BBC informed. “We can confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.”

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Political Figures Speak Out on The Matter

Director General Tim Davie underwent crisis talks with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who referred to the allegations as “deeply concerning.” The Director General reassured the secretary that the BBC was conducting a “sensitive and swift investigation.”

Rachel Reeves, the economy spokeswoman for the opposition Labour Party, urged the BBC to “accelerate their processes” and “get their house in order.

Precedents; ITV Scandal

Previously, commercial UK broadcaster ITV also confronted a scandal when Phillip Schofield, a long-time host on the channel’s morning show, resigned in May, acknowledging his falsehood about an affair with a much younger colleague.

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ITV executives had to answer Parliament’s questions on whether the broadcaster had a “toxic” work culture and had sheltered star misconduct.

The BBC is monitored more closely than other broadcasters due to it being funded by taxpayers and its commitment to maintain impartial news coverage.

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