TV host Naga is said to have accused a junior staffer of stealing

BBC presenter Naga Munchetty was reprimanded by bosses over two incidents in three years — including allegations she bullied a junior staffer.

The star, 50 — at the centre of a BBC Breakfast toxicity row — was also hauled in over a sex jibe made at Radio 5 Live.

BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty in the new studio.
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BBC presenter Naga Munchetty was reprimanded by bosses over two incidents in three yearsCredit: PA

Naga Munchetty at BBC Radio 5 Live.
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Presenter Naga was hauled in over an off air sex jibe while working for Radio 5 LiveCredit: BBC

A woman in a blue dress and carrying a backpack enters a building.
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The star was seen opting for the backdoor this morning as she arrived at the Breakfast studios in SalfordCredit: mancpicss66

Naga and Charlie leaving a BBC office for a cigarette.
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Naga was also seen popping out for a quick smoke with co-star Charlie just 5 minutes after their programme ended this morningCredit: Zenpix
Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani has now taken leave amid separate bullying claims.

Naga is said to have used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break — before asking a colleague if they had done it.

The alleged remark stunned the Radio 5 Live 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.”

We can also reveal that on BBC Breakfast last year, she was rapped for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer.

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 appeared on the show this morning with co-star Charlie Stayt but did not immediately address the allegations made against her.

The presenters also skipped the show’s usual news review segment, where they talk through the newspaper headlines of the day.

The star 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.

A representative for Naga did not respond to our request for comment.

Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on BBC News.
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Naga and colleague Charlie Stayt were back on BBC Breakfast this morningCredit: BBC

Naga Munchetty at the Ethnicity Awards.
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Naga has been accused of bullying a junior stafferCredit: Getty

BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty in the new studio.
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Breakfast is already in turmoil amid claims of a ‘deeply divided workplace’ and off-air tensions between Naga and co-host Charlie StaytCredit: PA

Richard Frediani accepting a BAFTA award.
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Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani took leave amid separate bullying claimsCredit: Getty

‘Bully’ boss on leave

EXCLUSIVE by Clemmie Moodie

BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has taken an extended period of leave after bullying allegations.

The show’s Bafta-winning editor previously accused of shaking a female colleague and aggressive behaviour, agreed to step back following The Sun’s revelations this week about toxicity on the programme.

There have also been a series of top-level crisis meetings held within the corporation on how best to contain the developing row.

In an email to staff, John McAndrew, director of live and daily news, thanked colleagues for their positivity during this “stressful time” and informed them of Frediani’s decision.

The shaking complaint was upheld in a BBC investigation.

And a source said last night: “It’s been an incredibly challenging past few months for everyone involved with BBC Breakfast — from crew to on-screen talent.

“Fredi was already taking a break because, obviously, the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect.

“He’s devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind-the-scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he’s a brilliant boss.”

The Beeb has drafted in a lawyer from top firm PwC to speak to staff.

A BBC spokesperson commented last night: “We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”