BBC presenter scandal: Timeline of events as unnamed star suspended
An unnamed BBC presenter has been suspended after being accused of paying a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photos.
The male presenter – reportedly a “household name” – is also facing separate allegations from three other people in their early 20s.
BBC presenter latest: Star faces new claims
Here is a look at what allegations have been made and when they first came to light.
October 2018: The star allegedly sends messages to a 17-year-old after initiating a conversation on Instagram, The Sun said on 11 July 2023.
The paper said the messages, which it has published, contain love heart emojis and kisses.
The youth, now aged 22, told The Sun “looking back now it does seem creepy because he was messaging me when I was still at school”.
18 February 2021: The presenter allegedly travels by train from London to meet a 23-year-old at their flat when the country is in a third lockdown, The Sun claimed on 11 July 2023.
The newspaper said it had seen messages suggesting the star visited the person’s home, sent cash and asked for a picture – and was sent a semi-naked photo.
The person said they first met the presenter in November 2020 on a dating site and the BBC personality travelled across the capital to another county to meet them at their flat for an hour in February 2021.
April 2023: An unnamed police force is contacted by the parents of the 20-year-old at the centre of the photo claims, the BBC reports on 11 July, adding the force said “no criminality was identified”.
The force has now met the Metropolitan Police and the BBC and “as a result of recent developments, further enquiries are ongoing to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence”, reported the corporation.
Friday 19 May: The family first make a complaint to the BBC. In the complaint, they reportedly asked the broadcaster to make the man “stop sending the cash”.
When the presenter was still on air a month later, the family reportedly became frustrated. The BBC confirmed in a statement that it had “first became aware of a complaint in May”.
June: The youth receives a £1,000 payment – allegedly made via PayPal, from the presenter, according to The Sun. Their mother said they “suddenly had this cash” after running out of money.
She said the payment had made it “obvious the BBC hadn’t spoken to this man… as they thought he was too important”.
She also claimed that initially, the “security boss gave us a number that didn’t exist”.
Thursday 6 July: The BBC receives “new allegations” of a “different nature” – but the broadcaster does not reveal any further details.
Friday 7 July: The Sun’s bombshell exclusive is published both online and in print. The paper said the presenter is “a familiar face who is known to millions” and is also paid a six-figure salary by the BBC.
In the interview, the youth’s mother claimed that the presenter requested “performances” and that she had seen bank account statements showing payments totalling more than £35,000 – including one lump sum of £5,000.
Now 20 years of age, the youth had used the presenter’s money to fuel a serious drug problem, the mother said.
The BBC responded to the article saying: “We treat any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to proactively deal with them.”
It said it would “take steps” to investigate further “if we receive information”, including “actively attempting to speak to those who have contacted us in order to seek further detail and understanding of the situation”.
Saturday 8 July: Various BBC presenters choose to publicly clear their names after speculation about the identity of the presenter swirls online. Celebrities including Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker, BBC Radio 2 hosts Jeremy Vine and Rylan Clark, and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell all release separate statements on Twitter.
Clark, who said he is currently in Italy filming for the BBC, said: “Not sure why my names floating about but re that story in the sun – that ain’t me babe.” Whilst Lineker added: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”
Campbell appeared to contact the Metropolitan Police after falsely being named online. Sharing screenshots of the police website on social media, he said: “I think it’s important to take a stand. There’s just too many of these people on social media. Thanks for your support friends.”
On Saturday evening, The Sun published an update to its allegations. It claimed that the youth’s mother had seen images of the presenter sitting on his sofa in his underpants. The picture was reportedly taken during a video call between the pair.
Former home secretary Priti Patel called for a “full and transparent investigation”, calling the BBC “faceless” and an “unaccountable organisation” on social media.
Sunday 9 July: A male presenter is suspended from duties and BBC contact police over allegations. In a statement, it said the situation was “complex and fast moving” and the corporation is “working as quickly as possible to establish the facts”.
“New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols,” a statement said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
BBC needs to ‘get a grip’ says Rachel Reeves
Director-general Tim Davie also sends an email to BBC staff, reiterating that it’s taking the allegations “incredibly seriously”. He says the BBC is in contact with the family referenced in the reports and condemns rumours about “some of our presenting talent”. He also says individuals involved are “entitled to privacy”.
A spokesperson for the Met Police later says the force had “initial contact” from the BBC but that “no formal referral or allegation has been made”.
“We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow,” they say.
A number of politicians also speak of their concern over the allegations. Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the Culture, Media and Sport committee, says she was concerned the corporation had taken a “very long time” to investigate the claims.
Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, says the scandal was “deeply concerning”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Culture sec avoids questions on BBC scandal
When asked about an alleged delay in investigating the complaint, she tells Sky News: “I think that’s the concerning thing, that someone makes a complaint – a very serious complaint – and then puts on the telly the next night and they’re still there.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer avoids questions about the scandal after being asked about it at the British Grand Prix, but confirms she has spoken to Mr Davie about the “deeply concerning allegations”.
“He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively,” she says on Twitter.
On Sunday evening, The Sun publishes more allegations claiming that the presenter made “panicked” calls to the young person last week when the story broke.
The paper says the presenter allegedly asked “what have you done?”, adding that it is claimed he asked them to ring their mother to get her to “stop the investigation”.
Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts
Monday 10 July: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police have a virtual meeting with BBC representatives over the allegations.
The force later says it is “assessing information” supplied by the broadcaster and is carrying out further enquiries to establish whether any crime has been committed.
But the Met has not yet launched an investigation.
A lawyer for the alleged victim reportedly says in a letter to the BBC that the mother’s claims are “rubbish” and “nothing inappropriate or unlawful” took place between the young person and the presenter.
The young person had sent a denial to the newspaper on Friday evening, saying there was “no truth to it”, according to the letter.
However, the “inappropriate article” was still published, the lawyer tells the corporation.
After the BBC publishes the letter, the mother tells The Sun: “It is sad but we stand by our account and we hope they get the help they need.”
The young person’s stepfather reportedly adds: “We are disappointed they made a statement. It’s not true.”
The stepfather also claims the BBC ignored emails sent on 19 May which allegedly included bank statements showing payments made by the presenter.
Tuesday 11 July: The BBC is asked to pause its internal investigation into the photo allegations “while the police scope future work” following a meeting with the Metropolitan Police.
Meanwhile, the BBC reports the presenter sent threatening messages to a young person in their early 20s, who has no connection to the person at the centre of The Sun’s story.
The star met the young person on a dating app before their conversations moved to other platforms, according to the corporation.
He then revealed his identity and asked the young person not to tell anyone, BBC News reported.
The young person later posted online alluding to having had contact with the presenter and hinted they might name him.
The star then allegedly sent a number of “threatening messages”, which the BBC says it has seen and confirmed came from a phone number belonging to the presenter.
The corporation said the young person felt “threatened” by the messages and “remains scared”.
Entertainment
BAFTA Games Awards: Astro Bot tops leaderboard – with psychological horror close behind
Astro Bot was the big winner at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards, taking home five prizes, including the coveted best game.
The 3D platformer, which was launched to critical acclaim in September to mark PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, was nominated for eight gongs, while Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, led with 11 nods.
But in the end, the critics – some of whom had dubbed Astro Bot a “perfect game” – were right as it dominated the awards at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, hosted by comedian Phil Wang for the second year running.
Astro Bot. Pic: Team Asobi
Nicolas Doucet with his five awards for Astro Bot. Pic: PA
BAFTAs for audio achievement, game design, animation, and best family game completed the set for developers Team Asobi, who designed multiple galaxies and dozens of levels for the titular Astro to journey through, retrieving spaceship parts and rescuing lost robots.
“We’re a team based in Japan, but we have over 12 nationalities. We really mix it up and get ideas from everyone,” Nicolas Doucet, president of Team Asobi, told Sky News.
“We do a lot of jokes in the game, but the joke has a different meaning depending on where you are in the world. So it’s really, really nice to go around and ask everyone ‘is that joke fine in your country?’ And then together we come to a kind of universal playfulness.”
Among the gongs for Astro Bot was the best game award. Pic: BAFTA
It’s a very different atmosphere than that generated by British psychological horror Still Wakes The Deep, which won three awards for best new intellectual property and best supporting and leading roles.
Compared to John Carpenter’s 1980 sci-fi horror The Thing but on a Scottish oil rig, the game sees players take on the role of an electrician trapped on a damaged facility while being pursued by monsters.
Still Wakes The Deep. Pic: Sumo Digital Limited
Developer The Chinese Room has been praised for using home-grown talent to voice the characters, including comedian and actress Karen Dunbar, who picked up best performer in a supporting role for voicing Finlay.
“I’ve been nominated for quite a few BAFTAs in my time in Scotland, and I’ve never won one,” said Dunbar.
“It was such a great category, so many great performances. When they shouted my name, I think I started clapping for someone else!”
Read more: See full list of winners
Still Wakes The Deep star Karen Dunbar won best performer in a supporting role. Pic: BAFTA
Meanwhile, best multiplayer game went to Helldivers II – a satirical, sci-fi shooter that sees players fight bugs, aliens and robots with the gumption and gullibility of the characters in Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers.
It has gained a cult following since launching in February 2024 with so much initial interest it created server problems.
“Games for me are about connecting people and forging those bonds of friendship and the multiplayer award is exactly what it stands for,” said Johan Pilestedt, chief executive of Arrowhead Game Studios.
Helldivers II. Pic: Arrowhead/Sony
From outer space to a fictional Yorkshire town called Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here! – a cartoonish, comedy platformer – won Best British Game. Like Still Wakes The Deep, it has won praise for the authenticity of its actors and setting.
“I think it’s been a real privilege to be able to represent Barnsley on the silver screen,” said Will Todd, who is from the town and one of two game designers behind the project.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! Pic: Coal Supper/Panic Inc
Co-creator James Carbutt added: “Me and Will wrote everything in our tone of voice, quite literally. The further along development we got, the more we lent into it. I think the voices from different parts of the UK and different voices in gaming are super important, and hopefully we’re one of them.”
By the time the BAFTAs wrapped up, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was only handed one of the 11 BAFTAs it was nominated for, technical achievement.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Pic: Ninja Theory
But developers Ninja Theory are already adding this year’s win to a tally of five BAFTAs they were awarded for the first game in the series, which created a protagonist with psychosis by drawing on clinical neuroscience and the experiences of people living with the condition.
Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died at the age of 70
The band said Blurke had been diagnosed with cancer, and described his death as a “profound loss”.
He featured on all the Debbie Harry-fronted group’s studio albums since joining a year after their formation in 1975.
Blurke was with the band from their self-titled debut, through their 1978 classic Parallel Lines, to 2017’s Pollinator.
Drummer Burke.
Pic: Reuters
In a statement on Blondie’s Instagram, Harry and the band’s guitarist, Chris Stein, said: “It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer.
“Clem was not just a drummer, he was the heartbeat of Blondie.
“His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.
“Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie, a self-proclaimed ‘rock and roll survivalist’, he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists.”
Burke in his performance at Festival Estereo Picnic 2023.
Pic: AP
Burke featured on Iggy Pop’s 1982 album Zombie Birdhouse and also performed with Bob Dylan, The Ramones, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and Joan Jett.
The statement went on to say Burke had left an “indelible mark on every project he was part of”.
It added: “We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.”
Burke, who performed on classic tracks such as Call Me, Heart Of Glass and One Way Or Another, made his final live appearance with Blondie last year.
Read more from Sky News:
King arrives in Rome for Italy tour with Queen after health concerns
Global bank chiefs hold talks over Trump tariffs crisis
Blondie performing during Glastonbury Festival in 2023.
Pic: Invision/AP
Among those paying tribute to him was Kinks guitarist Dave Davies, who said: “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon.
“May he rest in peace, spectacular drumming, we were friends.”
Nancy Sinatra said: “My heart is shattered. Clem became an icon as a member of Blondie, but he was also an important part of my band, the K.A.B. I was blessed to call him my friend.
“If I ever needed him, he was there. Always. Sending healing prayers and comfort to his widow, Ellen, his family, and all who loved him.”
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway