BBC Sport is said to be in a state of ‘chaos’ after staff reportedly went to their human resources department over their ‘combative’ new boss.
Mark Hughes, who joined the corporation in March, has faced a flurry of concerns from his new employees, including particular unease regarding his ‘pretty combative’ leadership style, according to reports.
It is said the journalist, previously head of news at the Daily Telegraph, also faces accusations of having a ‘slight lacking in sport knowledge’.
In the latest issue for the corporation, a source has told the Sun of a few ‘gaffes’ the BBC sport leader has already experienced during his short tenure, including ‘thinking the British and Irish Lions played home and away’.
Concerns were also raised regarding his handling of Danny Care’s retirement from professional rugby, announced in May.
Describing Mr Hughes as an ‘excellent journalist’, the source added: ‘He doesn’t suffer fools gladly and is pretty combative.
‘He wants the best from his staff but a few have found that intimidating and flagged concerns.
‘HR are aware and parties have been spoken to but there have been no formal complaints’.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘While we do not comment on individual members of staff, we have robust processes in place to deal with any workplace-related concerns.’
It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Linekar axed over Anti Semitism claims.
Earlier this month, the corporation was reported to have launched a bullying probe into its flagship Breakfast show, which was branded ‘toxic’ behind the scenes.
Tensions have been said to be ‘rife’ between hosts and Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, who has already expressed her uneasiness about Frediani’s behaviour, with the probe said to have left the newsroom ‘divided’.
A source 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’.
‘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’.
They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job, while others think that his methods are ‘too tough’ for 2025.
An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is ‘quite open’ about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an ‘uneasy relationship’ with him.
The Mail also previously revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC’s northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani’s rise – from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London – with growing disbelief.
One said: ‘You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place – yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him.
‘He’s still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn’t feel right at all.’
The ordeal began when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year.
Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a ‘clearly angry’ Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was ‘jabbing his finger’ as he voiced displeasure about that morning’s show.
According to the site, two additional sources also alleged that Frediani is known for ‘screaming’ down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show.
Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is unknown.
