Toxic: Bullying "Rife" Behind the Scenes of BBC Breakfast

The BBC is embroiled in yet more controversy with allegations that bullying is rife behind the scenes for flagship morning news programme BBC Breakfast.

Editor Richard Frediani, known as Fredi on the studio floor, has been accused of "threatening" and "aggressive" behaviour towards staff working on the programme.

It is also believed there has been a massive falling out between the two main hosts of the show, Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty.

A BBC Breakfast insider told The Sun: "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. Several people - crew, production and even presenters - have been very unhappy.

"Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. 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."

Media and entertainment news site Deadline has previously alleged that Frediani was subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one that was upheld in relation to him "physically shaking" a female newsroom colleague during a heated exchange.

Insiders have also alleged that Frediani backed a BBC Breakfast colleague against a wall and unleashed a finger-jabbing, verbal tirade expressing displeasure at the morning's show.

The BBC refused to comment on the allegations, saying that the welfare of its employees are a priority.

Further anti-BBC reading:

• Is The True Or Did You Hear It On The BBC?, by David Sedgwick (aff. link)
• The BBC: Myth of a Public Service, by Tom Mills (aff. link)