The British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, has suspended an unnamed male presenter accused of paying a young girl for sexually explicit images.

The organization has contacted the police in relation to allegations that the unnamed broadcaster paid a youngster more than 34 million naira (£35,000) in exchange for the photos.

Urgent conversations have taken place between the BBC’s director-general and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer.

The corporation said it was expecting to provide a “further update in the coming days” but fell short of naming the individual.

The identity of the well-known presenter remains undisclosed, but The Sun UK reported that he is a “household name” with a six-figure salary.

The BBC said in a statement: “We have been clear that if – at any point – new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.

“The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May. 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.

“We can also confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.

“We expect to be in a position to provide a further update in the coming days as the process continues.

“The BBC board will continue to be kept up to date.” The statement said.

In an internal email to staff, BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex. I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.

“We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports. I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.”

The agreement is reported to have started in 2020, when the alleged victim was 17 years old.

According to The Sun, a succession of payments have been made, fueling the youth’s drug abuse.

inews UK