The BBC has been accused of being "inept, unprofessional and slow" in its investigation into the conduct of a former sports presenter.
George Riley, 40, was suspended by the BBC on 27th October 2017. Until then he was a regular live sports commentator and presenter on both television and Radio 5 Live.
The BBC launched an investigation into claims that the Leeds-born presenter had groped five female colleagues. The allegations are said to span a period of several years and include claims that Riley approached female colleagues from behind and touched them under their skirts.
Since Riley's suspension, it is now known that three other women have come forward to complain about his conduct.
The investigation concluded in July 2018, by which time Riley had already resigned from his position with the national broadcaster. Although not naming Riley directly, it is understood that the Controller of Radio 5 Live, Jonathan Wall, publicly told colleagues that the unidentified man at the centre of allegations would never return to work at the BBC.
Although the BBC internally concluded that Riley had a "case to answer" in reference to the allegations, his resignation meant that no firm conclusions were drawn and complainants were left in the dark.
The BBC had until now declined to comment on the case and failed to issue any update on the investigation to members of staff at the national radio station, prompting fears among some staff of a cover-up.
A BBC spokesperson said: "We can't comment on a private staff meeting or indeed on individual staff matters although we take all concerns about harassment very seriously and investigate allegations thoroughly and take any appropriate action. We keep complainants informed as appropriate."
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1 comment:
This will lead to more TV licence cancellations.
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