The BBC has reportedly escalated its scrutiny of veteran presenter Naga Munchetty, launching a formal investigation into allegations of bullying behaviour following multiple complaints from colleagues.
From Review to Formal Investigation
The 50-year-old broadcaster, who has fronted BBC Breakfast for 15 years, now faces an uncertain future at the corporation after what insiders describe as further complaints about her conduct. Initial concerns were raised in August when television sources claimed several colleagues had logged issues regarding Naga's reportedly 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on both BBC Breakfast and her Radio 5 Live show.
At that time, BBC bosses placed the presenter 'under review', but according to recent reports, the situation has now been upgraded to a full formal probe following additional allegations. An insider told The Sun: 'The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast's neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun.'
Pattern of Concerns Emerges
The investigation comes amid several specific incidents that have raised eyebrows within the corporation. Naga was reportedly spoken to by executives after a junior staff member accused her of bullying behaviour. In another incident, she was hauled into a meeting after allegedly making a sex jibe during an advertising break while hosting her radio show.
Sources indicate the presenter used crude slang terminology for a sex act and reportedly asked a colleague if they had ever engaged in it. These incidents form part of a broader pattern of concerns that have prompted the formal investigation.
Naga earns between £355,000 and £359,999 annually for her work on BBC Breakfast and Radio 5 Live, nearly double the salary of her co-host Charlie Stayt, who remains in the £190,000 bracket and is also reportedly 'under review'. Tensions between the presenting pair are said to be 'rife' according to insiders.
Broader BBC Turbulence
The investigation into Munchetty occurs during a period of significant upheaval for the BBC. Director general Tim Davie and chief executive of BBC News Deborah Turness have both sensationally stepped down amid an impartiality row after an internal report accused the corporation of institutional bias and censorship.
An insider suggested the timing of the investigation might not be coincidental, noting: 'Of course, her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah's departure isn't exactly a coincidence.' The Sun reports that Turness's resignation could leave Naga's position as daytime host 'vulnerable'.
The broadcaster has also faced other high-profile personnel issues, including MasterChef's Gregg Wallace being sacked following misconduct allegations and John Torode losing his job after two decades over allegations he used racist language in 2018, something he claims to have 'no recollection' of.
Naga is no longer represented by agents M&C Saatchi, who also dropped BBC One Show host Jermaine Jenas after his sexting scandal. Her new representatives have reportedly 'held talks with rival station LBC' to explore other opportunities, suggesting the presenter may be considering her options beyond the BBC.
A representative for the BBC maintained the corporation's standard position, stating: 'We do not comment on individual HR matters.' Daily Mail has contacted Naga's representatives for comment.
