Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Alex Green & Lottie Gibbons

BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty apologises after liking 'offensive' tweets

Naga Munchetty has apologised for liking "offensive" tweets about a Government minister's video call backdrop featuring the Union flag.

The BBC Breakfast presenter, 46, said she had since removed the likes and that they did not represent the views of the broadcaster.

Naga had faced some criticism online following an interview on Thursday in which she and her co-host Charlie Stayt drew attention to a large flag and picture of the Queen visible behind Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.

Ending the interview, Charlie said: "I think your flag is not up to standard size, Government interview measurements.

"I think it's just a little bit small, but that's your department really. It's just a thought."

Mr Jenrick, who was speaking via video call from Westminster, did not respond.

When the camera returned to the studio, Naga was seen attempting to stifle her laugher.

She added: "There's always a flag. They had the picture of the Queen though. In the Westminster office I am assuming."

Naga later apologised for liking a series of tweets that referenced their interview and the flag.

She wrote on Twitter: "I 'liked' tweets today that were offensive in nature about the use of the British flag as a backdrop in a government interview this morning. I have since removed these 'likes'.

"This do not represent the views of me or the BBC. I apologise for any offence taken."

The BBC declined to comment further.

New director-general Tim Davie warned BBC staff over their use of social media in September last year.

The corporation later published new impartiality guidelines which warned employees not to bring the corporation "into disrepute" with their behaviour online.

These included guidance on avoiding bias through follows, likes or re-posting and shares, as well as tougher guidelines for some staff in news, current affairs, factual journalism, senior leadership, and a small number of presenters who have a significant public profile.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.