BBC Breakfast in Turmoil: Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt at Odds Amid Bullying Probe
A toxic feud between BBC Breakfast presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt has erupted, with sources claiming the tension between them is threatening to “combust” over opposing views behind the scenes. According to The Sun, the show is facing a bullying probe, with workers feeling uneasy around the programme’s “draconian” boss Richard Frediani if they are not in his clique.
Munchetty, 50, is said to be “at her wits’ end” over allegations of toxicity, with sources claiming she finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Frediani and his draconian ways. As The Sun reports, she is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the “toxicity as the status quo”.
Meanwhile, Charlie Stayt, 62, takes a more laidback approach and “finishes filming then leaves”, according to sources. The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week. The Sun has learned that some staff now avoid being left alone with Frediani following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor.
The complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation, but sources claim the events have allegedly left staff “living in fear” of Frediani. One source said: “It’s got so bad that people don’t really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. It’s an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints.”
As The Sun reports, the BBC has launched an investigation into the flagship programme following claims of bullying. It is understood the probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019. A source added: “The BBC are keen to stress this is more of an informal probe than a formal investigation involving external lawyers. In which case, when it is widely known how unhappy staff have been, past and present, why are the Corporation relying solely on HR execs to come to a resolution?”
The Sun yesterday told how the BBC had launched an investigation into their flagship programme following claims of bullying. Within hours of the story breaking, viewers were taking to X to question why the reported fallout had not featured in the show’s newspaper review. And there were calls for Frediani to be axed.
A whistleblower who previously worked with Frediani at both ITV and the Beeb also messaged to describe him as a “bullying menace”. BBC Breakfast deputy editor Liam Blyth has been holding sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The meetings are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast.
It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One led to a formal grievance last year. Accusers claimed they were shouted at when mistakes were made on air, while one person is said to have witnessed Frediani walking out of the production gallery and kicking a bin.
In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook the lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld. Crew feel the win has only heightened his behaviour because he is considered to be “untouchable”.
Cuts across the television industry have also left personnel worried about whether they would find work elsewhere if they spoke up and were axed, or chose to quit. A source said: “The majority feel there is no point in speaking up because Fredi is untouchable. Many staffers feel trapped because of the TV world shrinking.”
A BBC insider who has defended Frediani said: “Yes, he is a bit of a perfectionist, but he is very well liked by many. He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.”
The BBC has faced a series of scandals in recent times, including the suspension of newsreader Huw Edwards over indecent images of children, and the sacking of Strictly Come Dancing pro Graziano Di Prima after allegations of bullying.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the BBC will address the allegations of bullying and toxicity within the organisation. One thing is certain, however: the spotlight is firmly on Richard Frediani and the culture of BBC Breakfast. According to The Sun, the organisation has robust processes in place to address complaints, and any staff with concerns are encouraged to raise them directly with the BBC.
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