Title: BBC Presenter Faces New Allegations of Threatening Behavior in Payment Scandal
Date: 11 July 2023
A young person has come forward to BBC News, claiming to have felt threatened by the BBC presenter at the center of the ongoing controversy surrounding payment for sexually explicit photos. The individual, in their early 20s, states that they were initially contacted anonymously by the male presenter on a dating app.
According to the young person, they felt pressured to meet up but ultimately decided against it. When they hinted online about potentially naming the presenter, they received abusive and expletive-filled messages. The young person asserts that they were frightened by the power held by the presenter and remains scared by the threats they received. These messages have been seen and verified by BBC News.
The new allegations of menacing and bullying behavior by the high-profile presenter raise further concerns about his conduct. BBC News attempted to contact the presenter and his lawyer for comment but has received no response regarding the latest allegations.
The conversation between the young person and the presenter initially occurred on a dating app before moving to other platforms. At this point, the presenter disclosed his identity and warned the young person not to disclose their contact to anyone.
In response to the young person’s online posts alluding to their interaction with a BBC presenter, the presenter sent a series of threatening messages. BBC News has been able to verify that the messages originated from a phone number belonging to the presenter. The online post made by the young person has also been reviewed by BBC News.
While the individual has spoken to BBC News, they have not filed a complaint with the BBC corporate investigations unit, which is currently examining the allegations.
The prime minister’s press secretary stated that she had not seen these new allegations but urged any victims to step forward, receive support, and have their claims investigated.
The claims regarding the unnamed BBC presenter were originally reported by the Sun newspaper on Friday. The paper featured a mother’s account, claiming her child used the money received for explicit photos to fund a crack cocaine habit, expressing concern about their child’s wellbeing. The lawyer representing the young person has dismissed these accusations as “rubbish,” although the family continues to stand by their account.
The BBC has faced criticism regarding its handling of the investigation into the allegations. BBC director-general Tim Davie addressed these concerns at a press conference, revealing that the presenter was not interviewed until last Thursday, seven weeks after the initial complaint was lodged. The BBC made two unsuccessful attempts to contact the involved family before the Sun approached them with new claims. The BBC has temporarily paused its internal investigation while the police examine the matter.
The presenter, who remains suspended, is not being named at this time due to concerns over defamation and breaching privacy.
For further information or if you have any relevant details to share, please contact [BBC contact details].