The Metropolitan Police is currently assessing information supplied by the BBC concerning allegations that a presenter paid a teenager for explicit pictures. The claims involve a “household name” presenter who allegedly provided the youth with approximately £35,000 in exchange for sexual images over a three-year period, starting in 2020 when the individual was 17 years old. The recipient is now 20 years old, as reported by The Sun.
In response to the allegations, the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command met with BBC representatives virtually on Monday, 10 July. The police are evaluating the information presented during the meeting, and further inquiries are being conducted to establish if there is evidence of a criminal offense. It is important to note that there is currently no formal investigation underway.
Senior politicians have urged the BBC to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into these allegations against one of its presenters, emphasising the need for transparency, facts, and prompt action. Home Secretary Priti Patel expressed the importance of a diligent and sensitive inquiry.
Leading the internal probe at the BBC is Jeff Brown, a former Metropolitan Police detective specializing in whistleblowing, sexual assault, and fraud. Brown has been heading the BBC’s corporate investigations team for the past three-and-a-half years.
Meanwhile former editor of The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, shared his perspective on the evolving media landscape during an interview with Radio 4. MacKenzie highlighted the significant changes that have occurred, where the priorities of advertisers have become more important than readers or increased sales. He suggested that in the past, The Sun would have revealed the name of the BBC presenter along with associated pictures. However, he noted that the current tabloids are more cautious due to commercial considerations rather than legal implications.
MacKenzie further speculated that the BBC may face more significant consequences than the presenter if it emerges that the presenter’s mother contacted The Sun after receiving no response from the corporation. The newspaper has claimed that the family raised concerns with the BBC on 19 May but decided to approach The Sun when the presenter continued to appear on air without apparent action taken.
