Huw Edwards accused of sending ‘flirtatious’ messages to BBC staff
Topics: UK News, BBC, TV And Film
Katherine Sidnell
Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: UK News, BBC, TV And Film
As the BBC scandals continues, newsreader Huw Edwards has now been accused of sending ‘inappropriate’ message to colleagues.
Yesterday, he was named as the presenter who’d been suspended after allegedly paying £35,000 in exchange for sexually explicit images.
The Metropolitan Police has stated that there is ‘no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed’.
There have been a number of other alleged complaints made about the newsreader in recent days, including from other BBC staff members.
Advert
In the latest edition of Newsnight, one colleague claims that they received messages from the BBC presenter over social media.
The unnamed colleague then said that they were left feeling uncomfortable and awkward, due to the flirty and suggestive content.
They added: "There is a power dynamic that makes this inappropriate."
Another said they had a similar experience on social media.
A third added that Edwards sent they’d received similar texts despite having never met with the presenter - who signed off with kisses.
Following the allegations, a BBC spokesperson gave a statement to Sky news – which read: "We are communicating with staff and will continue to do so. We always treat the concerns of staff with care, and would always urge any staff members to speak to us if they have any concerns."
They added: "We have clear processes for making complaints within the organisation, including whistleblowing procedures should someone wish to do so anonymously."
Edwards is now undergoing inpatient hospital care due to mental health issues.
The presenter was named as the person at the centre of the allegations, in a statement from his wife Vicky Find.
She said that her husband had been suffering from major mental health issues with the presenter remaining in hospital ‘for the foreseeable’.
She added that Edwards will respond to the ongoing scandal when he has recovered, adding: "I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation."
Despite the Metropolitan Police stating that there was ‘no information to indicate that a criminal offence', the BBC will be continuing with its own internal investigation with director-general Tim Davie saying that the organisation had ‘a duty of care to all involved’.
"This remains a very complex set of circumstances," he said in a statement: "As we have done throughout, our aim must be to navigate through this with care and consideration, in line with the BBC values."
Tyla has contacted the BBC for comment.