TV stars rush to deny explicit images allegation
Several British television personalities have rushed to deny they are the star presenter who allegedly paid a teenager thousands of pounds to provide sexually explicit images.
The BBC has suspended the man and is investigating following damning revelations in The Sun at the weekend.
A male BBC presenter has been suspended.
The teen’s mother provided the newspaper with bank statements to allegedly show transfers from the man totalling £35,000 (AU$67,000) over a three-year period.
She alleged the payments began when her child was 17. She first complained to the BBC in May and decided to go public when the man remained on the air, she told The Sun.
“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,” a statement from the BBC said.
“This is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances, and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps.”
The expose has sent shockwaves through the British media industry.
Given the alleged perpetrator is unnamed, it has also forced several BBC personalities to come forward to deny frenzied social media rumours.
Radio anchor Jeremy Vine took to Twitter yesterday, saying: “I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday.” He threatened legal action against those naming him online.
Gary Lineker, who hosts Match of the Day, also posted: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”
Rylan Clark has been forced to issue a denial.
Popular presenter Rylan Clark from Strictly Come Dancing wrote: “Not sure why my names floating about but re that story in the sun (sic) – that ain’t me babe. I’m currently filming a show in Italy for the bbc, so take my name out ya mouths.”
Jeremy Vine, who hosts a news program on BBC Radio 2 tweeted: “It certainly ain’t me. Just to say.”
An email to staff from BBC director general Tim Davie “wholly condemned the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent”.
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