BBC suspends ‘a male member of staff’ following allegations surrounding explicit photos sent to a teen

The BBC has issued a statement confirming that a ‘male member of staff’ has been suspended over the recent allegations made, including that the employee paid a teenager for sexually explicit photographs.

BBC director general Tim Davie said in an email to staff that the broadcaster is taking these allegations ‘incredibly seriously’.

They also added that they are working with 'external organisations' on the 'complex' matter.

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In a full statement, the BBC said: “The BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations.

“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.”

In the email sent to staff, Davie took aim at those speculating about who the member of staff might be online, as well as assuring staff that the corporation is working closely with the family of the alleged victim to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

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He said: "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."

The allegations were first revealed publicly in The Sun on Friday, with a member of the victim’s family claiming that the BBC presenter paid £35,000 for explicit pictures of the alleged victim, starting when they were 17.

The star has also allegedly sent pictures in his underwear ‘ready for my child to perform for him’, according to the alleged victim’s mother.

The BBC is also thought to be in contact with the police with regard to the allegations, as well as conducting their own investigation into it.