BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty, 50, has reportedly been called in by BBC bosses over two separate incidents in recent years — including a serious allegation of workplace bullying and an off-air sexual comment during her time at Radio 5 Live.

BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty in the new studio.
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BBC presenter Naga Munchetty was reprimanded by bosses over two incidents in three yearsCredit: PA

Naga Munchetty at BBC Radio 5 Live.

Presenter Naga was hauled in over an off air sex jibe while working for Radio 5 LiveCredit: BBC

A woman in a blue dress and carrying a backpack enters a building.
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The star was seen opting for the backdoor this morning as she arrived at the Breakfast studios in SalfordCredit: mancpicss66

Naga and Charlie leaving a BBC office for a cigarette.
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Naga was also seen popping out for a quick smoke with co-star Charlie just 5 minutes after their programme ended this morningCredit: Zenpix
Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani has now taken leave amid separate bullying claims.

Two Major Incidents in Three Years

The popular broadcaster is said to have been involved in a confrontation with a junior female colleague on BBC Breakfast, where she allegedly accused the staff member of theft without evidence. The encounter took place behind closed doors and reportedly left the employee humiliated and demoralized. The woman later left the show.

“There was no proof, no apology — just a very upsetting situation for the staffer involved,” a source revealed. “And sadly, this wasn’t an isolated case. It’s the tip of the iceberg.”

In a separate incident from 2022, Naga allegedly used crude slang for a sex act during a break in recording on Radio 5 Live and then asked a colleague if they had ever done it. The remark reportedly shocked the studio and led to a meeting with senior producers.

She was formally reprimanded at the time, though no disciplinary action followed. According to insiders, the remark was seen as “crass, inappropriate, and wildly unprofessional.”

Growing Scrutiny at BBC Breakfast

Naga appeared on air as usual alongside co-host Charlie Stayt the morning after the story broke but made no mention of the allegations. The show also omitted its typical newspaper review segment.

The revelations come amid wider scrutiny of BBC Breakfast, which has been plagued by internal conflicts and a toxic workplace atmosphere.

Show editor Richard Frediani, a BAFTA-winning producer, is now under formal investigation following allegations of bullying, including one incident where he allegedly shook a female colleague. The BBC confirmed this week that Frediani is now on an extended leave of absence.

“Fredi was already taking a break,” a source said. “He’s been deeply affected by the claims but has support from many who consider him a great leader.”

 

Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on BBC News.
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Naga and colleague Charlie Stayt were back on BBC Breakfast this morningCredit: BBC

Naga Munchetty at the Ethnicity Awards.
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Naga has been accused of bullying a junior stafferCredit: Getty

BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty in the new studio.
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Breakfast is already in turmoil amid claims of a ‘deeply divided workplace’ and off-air tensions between Naga and co-host Charlie StaytCredit: PA

Richard Frediani accepting a BAFTA award.
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Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani took leave amid separate bullying claimsCredit: Getty

BBC Responds to the Fallout

The BBC has launched an internal review into the program’s culture and behavior, bringing in external legal experts from PwC to speak with staff. Leadership has held emergency meetings in response to the controversy.

A spokesperson for the BBC stated:

“While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about workplace conduct extremely seriously.”

Naga Munchetty has not commented publicly on the allegations. Critics, however, have raised concerns over potential double standards within the corporation.

“If a male presenter made the same kind of comment or falsely accused a colleague of stealing, they’d be gone,” an insider said. “But somehow this is being downplayed.”

A Divided Newsroom

Tensions reportedly remain high on the Breakfast set, with off-air friction between Naga and Charlie Stayt also contributing to the workplace unrest. The BBC has issued internal communications urging staff to remain professional during what has been described as a “stressful time.”

As the network grapples with fallout from multiple high-profile controversies, including those involving Strictly Come Dancing stars Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, questions are mounting over how the BBC handles internal complaints — and whether fairness is being consistently applied.