The BBC is currently facing mass interest after reports that a top male BBC presenter allegedly paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.
The unnamed member of staff is currently suspended as the BBC released a statement confirming that they "expect to be in a position to provide a further update in the coming days."
It comes after The Sun reported an exclusive article alleging that a BBC presenter is facing allegations he paid a total of £35,000 for sexual content.
Here is a timeline of the events surrounding the emergence and fallout from the allegations.
I have spoken to BBC Director General Tim Davie about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters. He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively.
— Lucy Frazer (@lucyfrazermp) July 9, 2023
Full timeline of BBC presenter allegations
Friday, May 19
On May 19 the family of the person, who was 17 when the presenter allegedly started payments back in 2020, complained to the BBC and became frustrated when the presenter stayed on air.
Adding that they reportedly asked the broadcaster to stop the man “sending the cash”.
Thursday, July 6
The BBC said they became aware of new allegations against the male presenter.
A statement said: “New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own inquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.”
Friday, July 7
The Sun publishes an exclusive which reveals a BBC presenter is facing allegations he paid a total of £35,000 for sexual content.
The BBC responded to the article with a statement saying: “We treat any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to proactively deal with them.”
Saturday, July 8
BBC presenters publicly clear their names including Gary Lineker, Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Nicky Campbell.
Sunday, July 9
The BBC says in a statement that they have suspended a male presenter from all duties and have contacted Metropolitan Police over the allegations.
In a statement on Sunday evening, the Metropolitan Police said: “The Met has received initial contact from the BBC in relation to this matter, but no formal referral or allegation has been made.”
The Sun reported the presenter allegedly made two calls to the young person and asked them to call their mother to “stop the investigation” after the Sun exclusive was published.
Monday, July 10
Representatives from the BBC will meet with the Metropolitan Police.
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