Naga Munchetty has said she ‘hated’ to see people bullied at school after it was revealed she allegedly bullied a junior staffer on BBC Breakfast last year.
In an interview days before the allegations against her resurfaced, the presenter, 50, had said she battled against rude comments made about her appearance and talent.
The TV and radio host from south London said: ‘I was no angel but I hated seeing people bullied.
‘I remember there were a couple of kids in school who were bullied and I just hated it.
‘So I’d always kind of be that person who would speak to everyone.’
Speaking on the Walking The Dog With Emily Dean podcast she explained that she confronts people that upset her at work.
The presenter, who is already at the centre of BBC Breakfast’s toxicity row, was reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live.
This comes as BBC Breakfast finds itself at the centre of a bullying and misconduct probe, with editor Richard Frediani taking an extended period of leave after an internal review of the allegations was opened into the show.
According to The Sun, Naga used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break.
The alleged remark in 2022 was said to have stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses.
It was then reported that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was spoken to over alleged bullying of a woman.
The BBC are now reportedly facing questions over whether there are ‘double standards’.
It comes as it was also reported that BBC Breakfast’s editor Richard has taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.
It was previously claimed that the show’s staff are feeling increasingly ‘uneasy’ around Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of ‘shaking’ a female editor while working on the show.
The Sun claimed that Richard has stepped back from the show, and while he had already taken time off to go on holiday, has mutually agreed to extend his break.
Sources are also claiming that BBC bosses have held a series of meetings on how to handle the developing crisis.
In an internal email obtained by the publication, John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, thanked staff for their ‘positivity’ during this ‘stressful time’ – and informed them of Richard’s decision.
A source added: ‘Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect.
‘He’s devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he’s a brilliant boss.
‘BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team. Right now, it’s imperative that the BBC gets its house in order and ensures everyone is happy.’
When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC representative said: ‘While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.
‘We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.’
Naga’s representatives and the BBC have been approached for comment.
