BBC Breakfast is reportedly under investigation over claims of “bullying” and an “aggressive” atmosphere behind the scenes.
The morning flagship show is facing a probe after “unhappy” employees made a formal complaint against “tyrannical” editor Richard Frediani, according to The Sun.
Sources claimed “tension is rife” between presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Strayt and added that Munchetty has spoken to staff members who feel uncomfortable at the show.
“To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy,” an insider said.
“Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head.”
The source added: “Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom.”
The insider stated that some staffers think Frediani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job, while others believe his approach is “too tough” for 2025.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual HR issues.”
The Standard has approached representatives for Munchetty, and Strayt for comment.
In April, it was claimed Muchetty was “barely speaking” to Frediani after allegedly accusing him of bullying and misconduct.
A source told The Times: "Fredi has no relationship with Charlie and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster. It appears he doesn't like them and they don't like him — for whatever reason, they don't talk to each other."
An insider claimed tensions between Frediani and his team had "blown up" in BBC staff WhatsApp groups.
Munchetty has reportedly approached BBC News managers to raise concerns about Frediani’s treatment of colleagues, Deadline News reports, and is said to be "quite open" about these issues.
Frediani is understood to have faced two previous misconduct complaints, including one allegation that he physically manhandled a woman during a heated newsroom exchange in 2024.
