BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell was forced to apologise to colleagues after repeatedly using a homophobic slur during a meeting, sources have confirmed.
Incident Details
The 65-year-old broadcaster used the word 'p***ter' in the company of six editors and producers last week, according to reports. Metro understands the term was used in reported speech as Campbell recounted an incident where someone else had used the offensive language. Despite the context, co-workers were reportedly shocked by the language.
After the meeting ended, an editor apologised to other staff members on behalf of the team. Once Campbell became aware that some people had been offended, he apologised to all of the team face-to-face in a separate meeting of his own.
Reactions and Backlash
'At the time, about half the people were saying, “What the f**k?”, but others were laughing about it,' a source told the Daily Mail. 'But there’s been a growing backlash since then. There are people who could be really offended by the comment.'
When contacted for comment, the BBC declined to say whether Campbell could face disciplinary action. Metro has also contacted Campbell's representatives for comment.
Campbell's Career
Campbell has worked in television since 1981 and hosted on BBC Radio since 1987. He was offered a job at Radio 5 by station head Roger Mosey in 1997, initially presenting the morning show before taking over the breakfast slot in 2003. He co-hosted with Victoria Derbyshire, then Shelagh Fogarty from 2004 to 2011, and later Rachel Burden until 2021.
His coverage includes four Olympic Games, three World Cups, and every general election and referendum since 1997. He was inducted into the Arqiva Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2014 for his 'immense contribution' to UK audio and radio. Campbell has also worked at Radio 2 and Radio 3.
