BBC suspends 'male presenter' as broadcaster approaches police over sex pic allegation
BBC headquarters
PA
The BBC has suspended a "male member of staff" and is now in contact with the police after a presenter was accused of paying a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photographs.
The unnamed presenter allegedly first asked for images when the youth was just 17.
They have also been accused of continuing to make a number of payments over the years which helped fund the now-20-year-old's crack cocaine habit.
In a statement, the BBC said : “The BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations.
BBC buildingPA“This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps.
“It is important that these matters are handled fairly and with care.
“We have been clear that if - at any point - new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.
“The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May.
BBC director-general Tim Davie
PA"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.
“We can also confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.
“We expect to be in a position to provide a further update in the coming days as the process continues.
"The BBC Board will continue to be kept up to date.”
Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, arrives at 10 Downing Street
PA
It is also understood that the BBC has been in touch with the police in addition to their own enquiries.
A report published in The Sun on Friday brought the limelight to the allegations, with the youth's mother saying: "I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life."
The broadcaster's director general Tim Davie spoke with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer earlier today.
Davie said the BBC is taking the allegations "incredibly seriously".
The entrance of the BBC's main buildingPAIn an internal email, the 56-year-old added: "By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex.
"I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.
"We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports.
"I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate."