Following allegations that a broadcaster paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos, an unnamed male employee of the BBC has been suspended.

It came after reports from the mother of the suspected victim on Friday, who claimed her child had received more than £35,000 for pornographic images. She charged the presenter with “destroying her child’s life” and says the alleged victim used the funds to support a crack cocaine addiction.

The alleged victim, who is now 20 years old, was reportedly only 17 when the encounters began. The nameless BBC presenter allegedly undressed during a video conversation with the mother of the complainant’s then-teenage child.

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The BBC has contacted them, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged on Sunday night, but no formal allegations have been made.

According to the original reports, the BBC had spoken to the police about the presenter. The police department stated that although the BBC had made initial contact with them on this matter, no formal referral or allegation had been filed. Before deciding what steps should be taken next, we need more information.

Why hasn’t the suspended presenter been named?

The accusation relates to a possible offense that carries a maximum 10-year prison term. It is unlawful to capture, create, distribute, and keep obscene photos of anyone under the age of 18. So, if the broadcaster is found not guilty, it could be libelous to claim they committed the crime.

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Secondly, until someone is arrested and then charged, they can have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Although the BBC has suspended the male presenter, neither the BBC nor The Sun has confirmed the identity.

Tim Davie said in a memo to the employees that “individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is complicating this situation.”