A BULLYING investigation has rocked the BBC’s flagship morning show.
It follows claims the atmosphere on BBC Breakfast has become toxic, with hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt falling out.
And boss Richard Frediani has been accused of “tyrannical” behaviour.
A source said: “To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings.
“But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture.”
It is just the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros come under investigation and Match of the Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for inappropriate behaviour.
Just a month ago, Frediani, known as Fredi, was pictured proudly clutching the programme’s Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal.
But, away from the cameras, the source revealed all was not well, saying: “Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy.
“Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife.
Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom.
Source
“Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head.
“Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy.
“Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom.
“There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results.
“Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.”
Other presenters including Sally Nugent and John Kay are said to have been asked for their views.
The show’s deputy editor Liam Blyth has been conducting sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review.
The sessions are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast.
It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One of them led to a formal grievance last year.
Complainants alleged they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a bin.
In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. It was investigated by the BBC and the woman’s complaint was upheld.
Another BBC insider defended Frediani, saying: “Yes, he is a bit of perfectionist but he is very well liked by many. He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.”
It was also reported Naga and Charlie, who present from Thursdays to Saturdays, had fallen out.
But in a recent interview Naga insisted they were “good friends”.
The BBC said it would not comment on HR issues.
However another BBC insider added: “The welfare of employees takes priority and the BBC’s code of conduct sets out clear expectations.”
LOVE Island’s Meg brutally ripped into a villa hunk after he flirted with a new girl while on a ‘secret’ date.
Harry, who is currently coupled up with Helena but still believes he has unfinished business with Shakira, was picked to go on a date with a brand new bombshell.
The hunk, 30, went on a date with brunette bombshell Yasmin, and unbeknown to them, their date was being screened to the girls back at the villa.
While on the date, Harry spoke about his connections with both Helena and Shakira.
Making it known that he was still hung up on Shakira, Helena was visibly shocked as Meg asked her why he kept talking about Shakira.
Meg then ripped into Harry’s “horrific” dress sense as she and the other girls watched the date on the huge screen by the pool.
While Harry was chatting to Yasmin, she confessed she wanted someone she found sexually attracted to.
She explained that she wanted to feel like she wanted to “rip their clothes off”.
Meg then said: “Rip those clothes off because of that horrific fashion sense.”
Reacting to Meg’s commentary about Harry’s “horrific” dress sense, fans were quick to flock to X and use the show’s hashtag.
“Meg clocking that awful fashion sense,” said one.
“MEG INSULTING HARRY’S FASHION SENSE we all thought it,” penned a second.
“meg commentary kills me, crashing out about dejon, calling harry a fraud and making fun of his terrible dress sense,” added a third.
A fourth then said: “Someone calm Meg down, she’s MADDDD.”
“Meg is funnyyyyy man,” penned a fifth.
And a sixth said: “meg is HILARIOUS.”
Departures:
This comes after Harry revealed what his nickname was at school.
Leaving Helena and Alima in hysterics during the Unseen Bits episode on Saturday night, Harry made the hilarious admission.
Harry revealed that at school, his friends compared him to The Grinch.
He explained how when he was 12, a girl in his school would call him The Grinch from the famous Dr. Seuss Christmas movie.
Helena burst out in hysterics and fell back onto the grass on her back laughing.
Just days before Harry’s admission, fans had already clocked his Christmas clone.
“Hear me out….forget Harry looking like Tom…he looks like a young Grinch,” said one fan on June 11.
