BBC top bosses in touch with Huw Edwards complainant after Parliament grilling

18 July 2023 , 14:11

501     0

BBC Director General Tim Davie faced questions in parliament after one of its top stars was accused of purchasing sexually explicit photographs from a young person

BBC Director General Tim Davie has revealed the corporation are touch with the complainant at the heart of the scandal in which a presenter was accused of purchasing sexually explicit photographs from a young person.

The corporation was rocked after it was alleged one of its top stars had paid for the material from a young person, following a complaint from their parents. The younger person in question later shared a statement via a lawyer to respond to the claims and brand them "rubbish".

In a letter to the BBC, the lawyer wrote: “For the avoidance of doubt, nothing inappropriate or unlawful has taken place between our client and the BBC personality and the allegations reported in the Sun newspaper are 'rubbish.'“

The letter from the lawyer also said that the young person sent a denial to the newspaper via WhatsApp, in which they said the allegation was “totally wrong and there was no truth to it“.

A spokesperson for The Sun said: “We have reported a story about two very concerned parents who made a complaint to the BBC about the behaviour of a presenter and the welfare of their child. Their complaint was not acted upon by the BBC. We have seen evidence that supports their concerns. It’s now for the BBC to properly investigate.“

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

Huw Edwards' wife Vicky Flind later came forward and made a statement to confirm the BBC News at 10 presenter was the star facing the allegations.

Mr Davie today revealed the network was in touch with those at heart of scandal, confirming the BBC has spoken to them.

BBC Director general Tim Davie has revealed he is touch with the complainant at the heart of the scandal

He said: “Since that weekend we have been in touch with the complainant and we want to be engaged and appropriately listening and understanding their concerns.”

The director general also said the investigation into the allegations into Mr Edwards could take "weeks or a couple of months or even longer", stating: “This has been a difficult affair where we have tried to calmly and reasonably navigate some difficult concerns around the allegations themselves, duty of care, privacy and legitimate public interest.”

Updating the committee on the review he has ordered into the internal protocols and procedures on complaints at the BBC in the wake of the furore, Mr Davie said he expects to report in the autumn or late autumn.

After the reports came out, Vicky Flind released the following statement about her husband, Huw Edwards, which read: “In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter' I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family.

“I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children. Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years.

“The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future.

“Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published.

“To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

“In the circumstances and given Huw's condition I would like to ask that the privacy of my family and everyone else caught up in these upsetting events is respected.

“I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation. We hope this statement will bring that to an end.“

Ms Flind's statement came as the Met Police confirmed it was taking no action. The BBC has now resumed its investigation into the Ten O’Clock News anchor, who remains suspended.

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch

Victoria Johns