BBC Breakfast's Richard Frediani takes 'extended leave amid bullying allegations'

BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani has agreed to an extended period of leave after recent reported bullying allegations emerged. It has been said industry insiders complained about Frediani's conduct, with many allegedly claiming he shouts and swear at colleagues while ruling the breakfast show with an iron fist.

Recent reports claimed the BBC's HR team are using a HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC to review the culture on the programme, with employees approached to talk about their experience working there. Amid the crisis, Frediani, who was already on holiday, has reportedly mutually agreed to an extended period of leave.

"Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect," a source recently claimed.

“He’s devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he’s a brilliant boss."

Speaking to The Sun, they added: " BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team."

A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.

"We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”

According to Deadline, Naga Munchetty was one of the staff members who raised concerns about his alleged misconduct.

The bullying allegations comes almost two months after the BBC Workplace Culture review was published, with the corporation vowing to take "immediate action" to change things.

The BBC had said it will take immediate action to improve workplace culture, after publishing a comprehensive independent report. The report from Change Associates, led by Executive Chairman and Founder Grahame Russell, found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations it highlighted key areas for improvement.

The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers; through one-to-one meetings, group discussions, a survey and written submissions. The review was commissioned by the BBC Board in August 2024, with work beginning in October.

“Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation,” the report concluded.

The BBC Board fully accepted the report and its findings, as did BBC management.

The Mirror have reached out to the BBC and Naga's reps for comment. Representatives for Mr Frediani could not be immediately reached for comment.

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