The British television network BBC announced Tuesday that it is suspending its investigation into a presenter accused of paying a young man for sexually explicit images. The network noted that the suspension is being put on hold at the request of the Metropolitan Police (Met) while it examines the complaint and decides whether there is justification for a criminal investigation.
The scandal, which was uncovered by British newspaper The Sun, revealed that a BBC public television star paid about 35,000 pounds to a minor in exchange for sexually explicit images. It occurred in 2020, when the minor was 17 years old.
The Sun report is based on allegations made by the teenager's mother. As reported by the tabloid, the mother signed an affidavit with her accusations, in which she claims that the presenter gave that money to her son to buy drugs. The mother also told The Sun that she saw an image on her son's phone of the presenter in his underwear and in a sexually suggestive pose. So far, no names of anyone involved in the story have been disclosed.
Following these revelations, the British Government decided to act by asking the BBC to investigate the facts, which it described as "serious." Shortly after, last Sunday, the public broadcaster announced the suspension of the presenter involved in the scandal: "We can confirm that a male member of staff has been suspended," the corporation said in a statement.
In the last few hours, BBC director general Tim Davie announced that the Met had taken control of the investigation: "BBC has been asked to pause its own investigative work," it said in a statement.
Davie said the BBC is conducting its inquiries with the "utmost diligence." He also confirmed that the BBC would hand over to the police all material in its possession about the suspended presenter, while reviewing its reporting protocols and procedures.
