The BBC has launched an investigation into one of its radio presenters after he was accused of sexual harassment.
The unnamed presenter is being investigated by the BBC’s corporate security and investigations team, which is led by Carol Ann Kinley-Smith, a former Metropolitan police detective.
MailOnline reported that four women who claim to have been groped by the man have submitted formal complaints to the BBC. He is alleged to have approached women from behind and put his hand underneath their skirt.
The investigation comes on the back of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, with the movie executive facing allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The BBC has encouraged staff to come forward with complaints since the Weinstein scandal and other allegations emerged.
Earlier this week Anne Bulford, the deputy director general, wrote to all staff, saying: “There’s been a lot of press coverage and comment recently about bullying and harassment in the entertainment industry, and more broadly. Tony Hall [the director-general] and I have written to you a number of times on this.
“We have a duty of care to protect you – one we take extremely seriously. I just want to remind you what to do if you want to raise any concerns. Please be assured that we will continue to handle any issues raised sensitively.”
Last year an independent inquiry led by Dame Janet Smith found that serious failings at the BBC allowed Jimmy Savile and Stuart Hall to sexually abuse nearly 100 people without detection for decades.
Smith concluded that “an atmosphere of fear still exists today in the BBC possibly because obtaining work in the BBC is highly competitive and many people no longer have the security on an employment contract”.
Tony Hall apologised to the survivors of abuse following the publication of the report and since then the BBC has begun implementing changes.
A BBC spokesman said: “We can’t comment on individuals but treat any allegations seriously and have processes in place for investigating them.”
