The BBC has suspended a male employee following allegations that an unnamed BBC presenter paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.
The corporation stated that while it was made aware of a complaint in May, new allegations of a “different nature” were presented to it on Thursday.
The BBC stated that it takes any allegations “seriously,” confirming that it has contacted external authorities in addition to conducting its own investigations.
According to the PA news agency, the BBC is speaking with the police.
Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, stated that he “wholly condemns the unsubstantiated rumours being spread on the internet about some of our presenting talent.”
In a note sent to staff and seen by PA, Mr Davie said the corporation takes “all such allegations incredibly seriously”.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, a BBC spokesperson said: “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.”
