The UK’s influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee has written to both the BBC and The Sun over investigations into Huw Edwards and Dan Wootton.
11.07.2023 - 11:07 / variety.com
Naman Ramachandran The BBC has paused its investigation into allegations that a top BBC presenter paid a teenager for explicit photographs after being asked to by the London Metropolitan Police. Speaking at a press briefing held to discuss the corporation’s annual report, BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Clearly, any affair of this nature is serious in terms of the BBC and its reputation. Trust is absolutely fundamental to the BBC.” “We constantly need as the BBC, and with myself and our senior team, to be seen to be navigating what are complex, fast moving issues with care and diligence and doing that properly and calmly. And if we do that, then I have faith that people will see that the BBC as an institution is precious, and doing the right thing,” Davie added.
In addition, the BBC said in a statement on Tuesday: “Yesterday, 10 July, the BBC’s Corporate Investigations Team had a meeting with the Metropolitan Police in relation to information provided to the BBC by The Sun newspaper on Thursday 6 July. As a result of this meeting, the BBC has been asked to pause its investigations into the allegations while the police scope future work. We know that questions have been asked about how the complaint was initially managed, so today we have published an update that sets out key dates and some additional information that we are currently able to share. The BBC has processes and protocols for receiving information and managing complaints when they are first made. We always take these matters extremely seriously and seek to manage them with the appropriate duty of care. The events of recent days have shown how complex and challenging these kinds of cases can be and how vital it is that they are handled with the utmost
The UK’s influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee has written to both the BBC and The Sun over investigations into Huw Edwards and Dan Wootton.
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The BBC has resumed its investigation into the allegations against one of their presenters, which has now been revealed is newsreader Huw Edwards, after the Metropolitan Police said no criminal offence had been committed. It comes after they were asked to pause their internal inquiries by the police force whilst officers decided if there was any justification for a criminal investigation - which they have decided against.This decision means that the BBC are free to resume its own protocol, with Director general Tim Davie saying they will "assess how some complaints are red flagged up the organisation." While the investigation will look into Huw Edwards' conduct.
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BBC Director General Tim Davie has warned that it will be complex for the corporation to get to the bottom of allegations against Huw Edwards while being mindful of its duty of care to the presenter.
The BBC is facing increased pressure after fresh claims emerged about an unnamed presenter who has been facing allegations over payments for sexually explicit photos. Now, The Sun has shared details of messages allegedly sent by the presenter to a teenager, who was 17 at the time.The reports detail how the presenter began the conversation with a love heart emoji, despite having no previous contact with the stunned teen.They go on to describe a conversation between the two, which shows the presenter sending kisses at the end of messages and asking the teen questions about their day.
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The young person at the centre of the BBC controversy said "nothing inappropriate or unlawful" took place between them and the presenter.