BBC insiders have reportedly accused management of “double standards” after Kaye Adams was taken off air during a bullying investigation, while Naga Munchetty continues to present BBC Breakfast amid similar allegations.
The Mail on Sunday reported that Adams, 61, has been removed from her £155,000-a-year role hosting her BBC Radio Scotland show while the broadcaster investigates claims that she “shouted and screamed” at junior staff.
Meanwhile, Munchetty, 49, remains on air at BBC Breakfast despite being under review for alleged bullying of a junior colleague, a situation insiders say has sparked tension among staff.
The review into Munchetty and Stayt is said to be ongoing, with “new complaints” reportedly surfacing that have prompted further interviews.
A BBC source told The Sun: “The review on Naga and Charlie is rumbling on because new complaints keep coming up, which raise new questions, so they have to keep interviewing other people.
“The news about Kaye Adams' suspension up in Scotland has put the cat among the pigeons because she's been accused of the same thing as Naga and Charlie – bullying.
“People are saying it's double standards and that the BBC are pandering to Naga particularly, because she is the big name because she has Breakfast and her 5 Live show.”
It follows reports that BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani was cleared of his own misconduct allegations last month, leaving some presenters — including Munchetty and Stayt — “furious” with the outcome.
Adams, who also appears on ITV’s Loose Women, has been suspended from her BBC role but remains on-screen with the rival broadcaster.
An ITV source told the Daily Mail on Monday: “ITV are standing by Kaye during the investigation.”
A spokesperson for BBC Scotland confirmed Adams has not permanently left her role, but told Daily Mail: “We do not comment on individual HR matters.”
Over the weekend, it was reported that Adams, 62, had been removed from her Mornings With Kaye Adams programme on BBC Radio Scotland while an investigation is conducted into claims she “shouted and screamed” at junior staff.
It is believed the complaints were raised under the BBC’s Call It Out scheme to challenge bad behaviour in the workplace following the scandal surrounding former MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
Adams is not expected to return to BBC radio for at least two weeks while an inquiry is carried out, a senior BBC source said.
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant’s colleagues and bosses at ITV sare “shocked” at the situation with the BBC, sources told the Daily Mail.
An insider told the outlet: “Kaye is regarded as one of the more calm members of the Loose Women cast.”
Adams occupies the 9am to midday slot several days a week with Mornings With Kaye Adams, but has been off air since October 6. She has been replaced on air by Connie McLaughlin.
Adams’ spokesperson said “no complaints had been presented to her by the BBC”.
He added: “Further, she has worked for BBC Radio Scotland for more than 15 years and in that time has never had any issue raised about her.”
The TV personality has held her phone-in show at BBC Radio Scotland since 2010.
Sources claimed she had a meeting with the BBC’s new head of audio, Victoria Easton-Riley, earlier this month.
The insider said: “The meeting did not go well... She hasn't been back since and she's not been on air.”
They added: “There have been complaints about her behaviour, and they've removed her while they investigate it. It's being talked about all over Pacific Quay [BBC Scotland's headquarters].
“After the Gregg Wallace fiasco, they're now getting much tougher on complaints about the talent and are starting to take these things seriously.”
The Standard has contacted BBC, BBC Scotland and representatives for Kaye Adams for further comment.
Munchetty and Stayt are reportedly being assessed over their workplace behaviour, with Munchetty facing a complaint of bullying from a junior colleague.
In June, she was accused of “bullying” a female colleague last year and making an off-air sex joke in 2022.
Munchetty has been accused of being “hard” and to have been “bullying” by her coworkers, according to a number of sources. These accusations range from irrational demands on her breakfast order to more serious charges of using inappropriate sexual language.
The BBC said it takes all workplace conduct concerns “extremely seriously” and encourages staff to come forward.
