Connect with us

Published

on

The BBC has apologised to the family involved in the Huw Edwards scandal over the way it handled their complaint.

The BBC faced accusations it did not respond quickly enough to complaints from the family of a young person, after it took seven weeks for allegations of inappropriate behaviour to be put to Edwards.

Image:
Pic: BBC

Edwards, who was the BBC’s highest-earning newsreader, was accused of paying a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photos.

In July 2023 the BBC commissioned a review of its non-editorial complaints policies and processes, which promised to “assess how some complaints are red-flagged up the organisation”.

He also ordered an additional “factfinding investigation”.

Now, seven months later, the report has found there was a need for “greater consistency” in how complaints at the corporation are processed, and revealed that the initial complaint about Edwards was not logged on the relevant case management system so could not be seen by senior figures.

The report also highlighted that there was no documented process for contact and follows-ups with the complainant, so when attempts to make contact were unsuccessful, the course of action was not clear.

More on Bbc

‘We accept the process improvements in full’

Commenting on the review, published today, Leigh Tavaziva, the BBC Group Chief Operating Officer said: “Although our existing processes and systems are, on the whole, working effectively, this review shows that we need to join them up better to ensure no matter how a non-editorial complaint comes into the BBC it is escalated swiftly, when needed, and dealt with by the right people.

“Where the review identifies process improvements we accept those in full, and we are delivering on an action plan with a number of enhancements already in place.

“The report identifies specific process shortcomings in the presenter case. The initial complaint in this case was not escalated quickly enough to senior management and we have apologised to the complainant for this.”

The report, which was led by Ms Tavaziva and carried out by Deloitte, also found that some employees felt nervous about raising a complaint with the BBC, particularly if it was about a more senior member of staff or a high profile figure.

Additionally it suggested the BBC make “better use of technology” to give a full picture of each complaint across all teams dealing with them.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘We have been in touch with the complainant,’ says BBC director-general

Around a week after news of the allegations against Edwards broke, BBC director-general Tim Davie and other BBC bosses were questioned in parliament at a pre-arranged Lords Communications Committee session.

‘Not bring the BBC into disrepute’ clause

At the time Mr Davie said: “We have been in touch with the complainant, we want to be engaged and appropriately listening and understanding their concern”.

He was also asked about holding the BBC’s high-paid talent to account, responding: “I think the history of this industry is such that we should all be concerned and appropriately diligent around the abuse of power by people in powerful positions.

“You need to ensure that you’re very, very clear on what your expectations are culturally, as well as the policy.”

He went on to say he was “proud” of the corporation’s code of conduct and values, calling the whistleblowing process by which staff can confidentially report concerns to an external support at work line “a safe place”.

He also confirmed to peers that high-profile presenters at the corporation have a clause in their contract about not bringing the BBC into disrepute.

Original allegations

Allegations that Edwards paid a teenager more than £35,000 for sexually explicit photos were first published in The Sun on Friday 7 July. The paper did not name him at the time.

Five days later, the Metropolitan Police said they did not believe any criminal activity had taken place and would be taking no further action.

In a letter to BBC News, the young person at the centre of the Edwards controversy said via lawyers nothing inappropriate or unlawful happened with the then unnamed presenter.

Following intense speculation over the identity of the BBC presenter, Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, confirmed him as the man at the centre of the allegations.

In a statement, she said he was “suffering from serious mental health issues” and was “receiving in-patient hospital care”.

Edwards has been absent from screens since the story first broke.

As the face of BBC News At 10, the 62-year-old has previously led election night coverage, and broke the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. He was last on air on Wednesday 5 July, covering the King’s visit to Scotland.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Harry and Meghan extend Netflix partnership – but it’s no longer exclusive

Published

on

By

Harry and Meghan extend Netflix partnership - but it's no longer exclusive

Harry and Meghan have signed a new “multi-year, first-look deal” with Netflix, following the deal they struck with the streaming giant five years ago.

Described by the Sussexes as “extending their creative partnership”, while the news quashes rumours the relationship might not be renewed, it would appear to be a less prestigious deal than their first.

With Love, Meghan, has a second season out later this month. Pic: Jake Rosenberg/Netflix
Image:
With Love, Meghan, has a second season out later this month. Pic: Jake Rosenberg/Netflix

As a “first-look deal” rather than an overall deal, the entertainment giant will be able to say yes or no to their content before anyone else, but they will not be under an obligation to stream it.

Several US outlets have suggested it is a downgrade from the Sussexes’ previous contract, which saw the streaming giant pay for exclusive rights for the content and was thought to be worth more than $100m (£74m).

British PR expert Mark Borkowski described the deal as a “downgrade” and suggested Netflix was “pivoting away” from Harry and Meghan.

Read more: Some call the deal a demotion – but the company still sees them as a power couple

Harry and Meghan set up their media company, Archewell Productions, after quitting as senior working royals in 2020.

More on Duchess Of Sussex

Their partnership with Netflix had promised documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows and children’s television, but has so far only delivered documentaries and docuseries.

These include Harry & Meghan, a six-part series about their departure from the royal household, which is Netflix’s fifth most popular series of all time, and most recently, the lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, which is the streamer’s most-watched culinary show since its release earlier this year.

Speaking about the new deal, Meghan said: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand.”

As ever is Meghan’s lifestyle brand, launched in 2024, and rebranded this year, selling products including jams, shortbread and wine.

Meghan went on: “My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally and celebrates our shared vision.”

(R-L) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Mindy Kaling. Pic: Netflix
Image:
(R-L) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Mindy Kaling. Pic: Netflix

Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria called the Sussexes “influential voices” and said their stories “resonate with audiences everywhere”.

New output includes the second season of With Love Meghan later this month, and a Christmas special in December.

Archewell Productions is also working on a documentary about orphaned children in Uganda’s Masaka region, an area heavily hit by the HIV/AIDS crisis, titled Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, and is developing a feature adaptation of the bestselling romantic novel by Carley Fortune, Meet Me At The Lake.

It comes as Harry has cut ties with his Sentebale charity but has said he still intends to do what he can to help young people in Lesotho, Botswana and Southern Africa.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Some call the Sussexes’ Netflix deal a demotion – but the company still sees them as a power couple

Published

on

By

Some call the Sussexes' Netflix deal a demotion - but the company still sees them as a power couple

While we’re all desperate to know what this new deal is really worth in dollars and pounds, one thing I can tell you for certain is that Prince Harry and Meghan want us to know they’re delighted that Netflix again wanted to get a deal done.

“Absolutely over the moon” is how it was described to me.

But they’ll also be aware of the attention it’ll attract as we all try to pick apart what it means.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Pic: Jake Rosenberg/Netflix
Image:
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Pic: Jake Rosenberg/Netflix

Firstly because of that ongoing fascination in how they’re making money since stepping away from royal life and losing financial support from the King, but also because of the recent reports that Netflix were intending to cut ties.

Yes this is a different type of deal from their original one in 2020. Some have argued that a “first look deal” looks like a demotion from what they previously signed up to.

With no real clarity on how much their original deal was worth, and no numbers being publicly thrown around this time, that is hard to judge.

But talking to those who know something about these kinds of deals you do get a sense it could potentially be more lucrative than it looks on face value.

More on Meghan Markle

With first look deals, yes there is often financial commitments from the likes of Netflix to get that first exclusive look at projects and first refusal.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Harry claims: War of words continues

But there could be other significant monetary incentives for the Sussexes to sign.

For example, when the Obamas signed a first look deal with Netflix, the streaming service agreed to pay the operational costs for their production company “Higher Ground”.

Could it be that Netflix are also now covering the costs of Archewell Productions?

Follow the World
Follow the World

Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday

Tap to follow

It’s stating the obvious to say that Harry and Meghan continue to divide opinions, some wanting to watch their programmes from a place of respect and fondness, others as a reason to grumble about them.

But signing on this latest dotted line shows Netflix still sees them as a power couple, who attract significant attention and are worthy of investment, whatever that really adds up to.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Mandalorian actor Gina Carano settles lawsuit with Disney – and thanks Elon Musk for funding it

Published

on

By

Mandalorian actor Gina Carano settles lawsuit with Disney – and thanks Elon Musk for funding it

Actor Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit with Disney and Lucasfilm after claiming she was wrongfully dismissed from The Mandalorian for expressing her political opinions.

Carano was fired in February 2021 after starring as Rebel ranger Cara Dune in two series of the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian.

According to court documents, it came after the 41-year-old referenced the Nazis’ treatment of Jewish people while discussing current political differences in the US.

At the time, production company Lucasfilm said in a statement that her “social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable”.

But late on Thursday, she posted on X: “I have come to an agreement with Disney/Lucasfilm which I believe is the best outcome for all parties involved.”

She added that she “hopes this brings some healing to the force”.

The details of the financial settlement have not been disclosed.

When filing her lawsuit at the Californian District Court last year, she had sought $75,000 (£59,000) in damages.

She also thanked Elon Musk for financing the lawsuit, despite the two having never met.

“I want to extend my deepest most heartfelt gratitude to Elon Musk, a man I’ve never met, who did this Good Samaritan deed for me in funding my lawsuit,” she wrote in her post. “Thank you Mr. Musk and X for backing my case and asking for nothing in return.”

The X owner is an ardent advocate of free speech and has funded similar legal battles previously.

Read more from Sky News
Eddie Murphy ‘will get an Oscar eventually’
Diddy plotting to return to music
Oasis gig more ‘ground-shaking’ than Taylor Swift’s

Carano as Cara Dune.'The Mandalorian'. Pic: Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
Image:
Carano as Cara Dune.’The Mandalorian’. Pic: Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

Carano signed off: “I am excited to flip the page and move onto the next chapter.

“My desires remain in the arts, which is where I hope you will join me. Yes, I’m smiling. From my heart to yours, Gina.”

In response to the settlement, Lucasfilm said in a statement: “Ms Carano was always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff, and she worked hard to perfect her craft while treating her colleagues with kindness and respect.

“With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.”

In legal documents, Carano’s team claimed both Disney and Lucasfilm had “targeted, harassed, publicly humiliated, defamed, and went to great lengths to destroy Carano’s career”.

She also alleged she was treated differently to her male colleagues. Neither company commented on these claims.

Pic: Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
Image:
Pic: Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

Lawyer Gene Schaerr, managing partner at Schaerr Jaffe, said at the time: “Disney bullied Ms Carano, trying to force her to conform to their views about cultural and political issues, and when that bullying failed, they fired her.

“Punishing employees for their speech on political or social issues is illegal under California law.”

Carano, who began her career as a mixed martial arts fighter, has starred in other Hollywood franchises, including Fast & Furious 6 as Riley Hicks, and Deadpool, in which she played Angel Dust.

Continue Reading

Trending