Naga Munchetty announced her departure from BBC Breakfast after 17 years, following a period of bullying allegations and a formal investigation into her conduct. The probe, which began last year, involved claims of inappropriate behaviour, including the use of a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break at Radio 5 Live in 2022, which reportedly left the studio 'stunned'. No formal action was taken, but Munchetty was spoken to about the incident.
Background of the bullying allegations
The BBC drafted in a PwC consultant last year to review the culture around the famous red sofa after bullying allegations emerged. The show's editor, Richard Frediani, took a period of leave, and it was reported that Munchetty and her co-host Charlie Stayt had no relationship with him. Frediani returned a month later, cleared of further action. In November, Deadline reported that the BBC had begun a formal investigation into Munchetty after The Sun published claims that bosses had spoken to her about two incidents in three years.
Workplace culture review and outcome
The escalation came after an independent workplace culture review across the BBC, launched after the Huw Edwards scandal, concluded that the corporation must intervene earlier when allegations of inappropriate behaviour emerge. Former director general Tim Davie and BBC board chair Samir Shah vowed to 'draw a line in the sand' after the review found certain 'well-known names' were 'not being held to account for poor behaviour'. The BBC never comments on individual HR matters, but Metro understands that Munchetty's move is not connected to these prior reports and that she is not under investigation.
Munchetty's move to 5 Live
Munchetty announced she will leave the red sofa to take up the breakfast slot on BBC Radio 5 Live. She said she was 'thrilled' and described the opportunity as 'too good to pass up'. She added: 'It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends. Between now and January, I’ll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I’m sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual.'
