A prominent BBC presenter has been taken off the air while claims that he paid a teenager for sexual images are being looked into. The BBC has stated that it takes “any allegations very seriously” in response to claims that one of its male broadcasters paid a teen more than £35,000 for sexually graphic images.

According to The Sun, the unnamed “household name” allegedly started asking the young person for pictures when they were 17 years old back in 2020 and has made a number of payments throughout the years.

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In response, a BBC spokesperson said, “As part of that, if we receive information that requires further investigation or examination we will take steps to do this. That includes actively attempting to speak to those who have contacted us in order to seek further detail and understanding of the situation.”

The BBC added, “If we get no reply to our attempts or receive no further contact that can limit our ability to progress things, but it does not mean our enquiries stop. If, at any point, new information comes to light or is provided – including via newspapers – this will be acted upon appropriately, in line with internal processes.”

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The alleged recipient’s mother said they had used the cash to fund a crack habit. She said, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life. Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.”

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On May 19, the family complained to the BBC about his actions and asked them to order him to “stop sending the cash.” They had learned that their child was using the money to support a crack cocaine addiction that was spiraling out of control. The outraged mother described how her child had transformed in just three years from “a happy-go-lucky youngster to a ghost-like crack addict.”