BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani ‘on extended leave’ amid bullying probe over ‘belittling’ style
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani is understood to have stepped back from his role for an “extended period of leave” following bullying allegations that have engulfed the flagship morning programme.
The Bafta-winning editor’s absence comes after accusations of aggressive behaviour emerged earlier this week.
The corporation has held multiple crisis meetings at senior levels to address the developing situation affecting one of its most prominent shows.
In an internal email to staff, Director of Programming John McAndrew acknowledged the “stressful time” whilst thanking colleagues for their “positivity”.
A source said on Thursday: “It’s been an incredibly challenging past few months for everyone involved with BBC Breakfast – from crew to on-screen talent.”
Speaking to The Sun, they confirmed that whilst Frediani had initially been on holiday, he has now mutually agreed to extend his absence from the programme.
The allegations against Frediani include claims he shook a female colleague and engaged in aggressive behaviour towards staff.
The BBC has responded by bringing in an external lawyer from PwC to conduct an investigation into the workplace culture at BBC Breakfast.
Staff members are being approached to share their experiences as part of the review process.
“Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect,” a source revealed.
The insider added: “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 corporation has implemented duty of care measures whilst Frediani remains in contact with select team members.
The workplace tensions extend to the programme’s presenting team, with sources revealing a stark divide in how the hosts handle the situation.
Presenter Naga Munchetty is reportedly at the “end of her tether” with Frediani and the working environment, whilst her co-presenter Charlie Stayt maintains a more detached approach.
“Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways,” a source disclosed.
The 50-year-old presenter is known for supporting younger journalists, particularly women, and is said to be frustrated that others accept the “toxicity as the status quo”.
In contrast, Stayt, 62, reportedly “finishes filming then leaves”, taking a more laidback stance towards the workplace politics.
Despite speculation about their relationship, Munchetty recently insisted she and Stayt were “good friends”.
The investigation has revealed deeper cultural issues at BBC Breakfast beyond the allegations against Frediani.
“The probe into Fredi’s bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast,” according to a source familiar with the situation.
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Staff describe a divided workplace where treatment depends on whether employees are amongst the editor’s favourites.
“Some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not,” the source explained.
The insider characterised the atmosphere as increasingly toxic, adding: “Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you’re on the wrong side of him.”
They claimed that “unless you’re in Fredi’s circle of favourites, you’re likely to get a rough ride”, with the presenters’ on-screen smiles masking growing tensions behind the scenes.
When contacted by GB News, a BBC spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.
“We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”