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BBC Suspends Host and Contacts Police Over Claims Star Paid Teen for Sexually Explicit Photos

BBC has suspended the presenter accused of paying a teenager more than $45,000 for sexually explicit images after director-general Tim Davie said the corporation was investigating ‘swiftly and sensitively’ into the ‘deeply concerning’ claims following urgent talks with government.

The broadcaster confirmed in a public statement that it had suspended a male member of staff, but did not reveal the identity of the employee. It is also understood that the BBC has been in contact with police.

In a follow-up email sent to BBC staff, Mr Davie reiterated that the BBC is taking the allegations ‘incredibly seriously’.

Later in the internal email, he adds: ‘By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex. I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.

‘We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports. I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.’

Mr Davie today held urgent talks with the government over the ‘deeply concerning’ sex pictures scandal surrounding one of its top stars.

Shortly after his phone call with culture secretary Lucy Frazer today, the broadcaster released a statement confirming it had suspended the presenter.

‘The BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations,’ the statement said.

‘This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps.

‘It is important that these matters are handled fairly and with care.

‘We have been clear that if – at any point – new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.

‘The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May. New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.

‘We can also confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.

‘We expect to be in a position to provide a further update in the coming days as the process continues. The BBC Board will continue to be kept up to date.’

During his call with the culture secretary, Mr Davie said the corporation was investigating the claims ‘swiftly and sensitively’.

Ms Frazer described the allegations reported by The Sun newspaper as ‘deeply concerning’ and said the broadcaster now needs to be given space to probe the matter and take appropriate action.

Following a phone call with Mr Davie, she tweeted: ‘I have spoken to BBC director-general Tim Davie about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters.

‘He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively.’

She added: ‘Given the nature of the allegations it is important that the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated.’

Senior officials have told the broadcaster the allegations must be investigated ‘urgently and sensitively’, with the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) kept updated.

A DCMS spokeswoman previously said: ‘These allegations are deeply concerning.

‘As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with the department kept informed.’

The presenter, who has not been named but is described as being well-known, allegedly began paying the teenager when they were 17, and sent them the money which they used to fund an addiction to crack cocaine.

The lurid speculation was sparked by a newspaper report that the youngster’s family had complained about the behaviour of the ‘household name’ seven weeks ago, but had been unhappy with the BBC response.

The presenter had reportedly been taken off air on Friday, pending an investigation, but has now been suspended.

He is said to be known to millions of people and could face a police probe over potential crimes which carry a maximum 14-year prison sentence.

The alleged victim’s mother says that the family complained to the BBC on May 19, asking for the presenter to be told to stop sending their child money.

It is claimed that even after the family complained, the star continued to send money and remained on air – before he allegedly attended an awards ceremony and was even partying with BBC bosses.

The suspension comes after a slew of lawmakers criticised the Corporation’s handling of the allegations and demanded full transparency about the probe.

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