A BBC reporter allegedly paid a teenager for sexually explicit photographs, The Sun reported on Friday. The newspaper did not name the male presenter. Following this, social media users tried to uncover the identity of the accused. This prompted denials from well-known figures such as Gary Lineker, Rylan Clark, and Jeremy Vine.
Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, took to Twitter to say, “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”
Similarly, radio presenter Nicky Campbell distanced himself from the allegations.
Jeremy Vine and Rylan Clark, both BBC stars, also denied any involvement through separate tweets, asserting their innocence.
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The Sun reported that the teenager’s mother had lodged a complaint with the BBC on May 19, yet the presenter remained on air.
According to The Sun, the exchanges between the presenter and the teenager began in 2020 when the teen was 17 years old. The teenager’s mother alleged that her child used the money received to support a crack cocaine habit, blaming the BBC presenter for “destroying” her child’s life.
While the BBC declined to comment beyond expressing its commitment to taking the allegations “very seriously,” questions are being raised about the broadcaster’s handling of the matter.
Mark Williams-Thomas, a journalist known for his role in exposing Jimmy Savile’s crimes, criticized the BBC’s handling of the complaint, describing it as “shocking and very disappointing.”
The BBC, meanwhile, emphasized its commitment to treating such allegations seriously and outlined its internal processes for investigating complaints.
The network expressed willingness to actively pursue further details and understanding of the situation, including attempts to contact those who have come forward. The broadcaster also stated that appropriate action will be taken if new information arises, including information provided by newspapers.