BBC Breakfast faces bullying probe with ‘tensions rife’ between Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt
BBC Breakfast has come under a bullying investigation following formal complaints against editor Richard Frediani.
The probe has reportedly left the newsroom “divided” as staff grapple with allegations of inappropriate behaviour behind the scenes of the morning show.
The investigation follows earlier reports from April revealing staff unhappiness with Frediani’s allegedly “aggressive” and “belittling” management style.
“To the viewer, BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings,” a source told The Sun.
“But beyond the cosy red sofa, it is a very different picture. Several people – crew, production and even presenters – have been very unhappy.”
Tensions between presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty are reportedly “rife” amid the ongoing investigation, with sources describing the behind-the-scenes atmosphere as “toxic” despite the programme’s warm on-screen appearance.
Munchetty, who has already expressed uneasiness about Frediani’s behaviour, has reportedly spoken to colleagues who are unhappy with the current situation.
A source claimed: “Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy.
“Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom.”
The source added: “Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies.
“He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head.”
MORE LIKE THIS:
Watching the BBC jump through hoops to win back Reform voters gives me intense schadenfreude – Colin BrazierBBC crisis as Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt embroiled in ‘bullying row’ with bossZoe Ball QUITS BBC Radio 2 show after six years as presenter makes heartfelt announcement
The allegations against Frediani include claims of physical confrontation, with Deadline reporting that a woman had her grievance upheld after claiming the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year.
One witness alleged seeing an incident in 2019 where a “clearly angry” Frediani backed a colleague against a wall and was “jabbing his finger” whilst voicing displeasure about that morning’s programme.
Sources also alleged that Frediani is known for “screaming” down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about content quality.
Whilst some believe Frediani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job, others think his methods are “too tough” for 2025, according to sources.
The current crisis follows a pattern of allegations dating back to 2020, when staff complaints about an “intimidating and bullying” culture emerged less than a year into Frediani’s tenure as Breakfast editor.
During the pandemic, anonymous emails from staff described the atmosphere as “poisonous” and like a “boys’ club”, with long-term employees reportedly leaving their positions.
Despite these historical complaints, Frediani has continued to rise through the BBC ranks, recently adding News at One to his responsibilities.
Sources suggest BBC’s chief executive of news, Deborah Turness, who was Frediani’s former boss at ITN, has been “involved” in his career progression.
A BBC spokesperson told GB News: “We do not comment on individual HR issues.”