THIS is the awkward moment BBC presenter Naga Munchetty was forced to discuss being “appropriate at work” amid allegations she bullied a junior staffer.
The star, 50, has found herself at the centre of a toxicity row over allegations she not only bullied the female junior staffer but also made an off-air sex jibe.
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Naga was seen smirking at the camera after Charlie remarked about what was ‘appropriate in the workplace’ before the show cutaway to a clip on the wearing of shorts at workCredit: BBC
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The star, who appeared on BBC Breakfast alongside colleague Charlie Stayt this morning, did not immediately address the allegations made against herCredit: BBC
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The presenter was spotted arriving at the BBC Breakfast studios this morning, opting for the backdoor to enter the buildingCredit: mancpicss66
The Sun revealed today that the star was reprimanded by bosses over the two incidents in a three-year period.
While on the show this morning, Naga and her co-star Charlie Stayt discussed a number of topics, including the wearing of shorts by men at work.
But just as Charlie prompts to a short video on the topic, he mentions a line about what’s “appropriate in the workplace”, seemingly nudging Naga to address allegations of her bullying a younger staff member.
Just before the clip begins, Charlie explained how one of the show’s reporters had been “finding out what people think is appropriate in the workplace.”
As he does so, Naga reacts by smirking at the camera – with her smirk eventually turning to a soft smile as the video starts.
Earlier today, Naga was seen opting for the backdoor as she arrived at the BBC Breakfast studio in Salford, Manchester, for her regular slot.
The star, who has been a staple on the broadcaster’s flagship breakfast show since 2010, has found her self at the centre of a toxicity row.
When she appeared on the show this morning with co-star Charlie Stayt, she did not immediately address the allegations made against her.
The pair discussed a number of topics on the show including the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, and the hot weather conditions set for much of the UK this weekend.
On top of alleged tensions between presenters, the show’s editor Richard Frediani has now taken leave amid separate bullying claims.
Naga was also revealed to have been spoken to by bosses over two separate incidents in three years.
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It has been revealed the star was reprimanded twice by her bosses over two incidents in three years – including allegations of bullying a junior staffer and making an off-air sex jibeCredit: mancpicss66
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There have also been rumours of tensions between Naga and Charlie on the show which threaten to combust over opposing views behind the scenesCredit: BBC
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Naga allegedly used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break while working for Radio 5 LiveCredit: BBC
The star is said to have used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break on a BBC Radio 5 Live show — before asking a colleague if they had done it.
The alleged remark stunned the studio and led to Naga being hauled before bosses.
She was reprimanded by a senior producer but no formal action was taken.
The comment became widely known at 5 Live, with one source describing the 2022 incident as: “Crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional. The person felt embarrassed.”
The Sun also revealed today that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was rapped for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer on the show.
As part of the bullying behaviour, the star is said to have falsely accused her of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown.
The source said: “It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.”
Another insider added: “That wasn’t an isolated incident. It really is the tip of the iceberg.”
Naga is the first female presenter to be caught up in the series of scandals which have gripped the Beeb.
Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima had to leave over bullying claims, and Wynne Evans quit the live tour over the word “spitroast”, which can be a sexual reference.
But the BBC is now facing questions of double standards.
A Breakfast insider said: “If a male presenter made a sexual comment like that or falsely accused someone of theft, he’d be out the door. But with Naga, it gets brushed off.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.”
Breakfast is already in turmoil amid claims of a “deeply divided workplace” and off-air tensions between Naga and co-host Charlie Stayt.
The flagship show’s editor Richard Frediani is at the centre of a formal bullying investigation, as we revealed on Monday.
Yesterday, it was confirmed the BBC was conducting an internal review into his behaviour and general allegations of toxicity on the show.
An internal email was sent to the BBC Breakfast team thanking them for their “professionalism” as they continue their work amid the row.
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Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani has taken leave amid separate bullying claimsCredit: Getty
