The BBC is understood to be facing yet another scandal as a female star allegedly showed an explicit photo to a junior member.
It’s thought the woman, who is believed to be one of the broadcaster’s top 50 earners, was pulled into crisis talks by bosses and made to apologise for the incident.
The woman in question is thought to shown a “d*** pic” to a junior employee after asking her about her preferences.
A source shared: “As soon as the name of this woman – and details of her bad behaviour – are unleashed, it will derail entire departments and mark the first female to be formally swept up into the BBC’s wrongdoing roll call.”
Speaking to The Sun, they continued: “It was meant to be jokey, locker-room type banter, but the woman was completely horrified and cried about it.
“No one minds a bit of office banter, but this was on another level. She felt like it was an intentionally shocking move to intimidate, veiled as a joke. It was way too much.”
In response, a BBC spokesperson told the MailOnline: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.”
The new scandal comes during a particularly troubled year for the corporation, who recently axed both MasterChef judges, John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
Following an investigation, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
Torode said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.
In November last year, the show’s production company, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
Wallace issued an apology saying he is “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of a report that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.
Allegations of misconduct were made public late last year, prompting a BBC probe.
45 of the claims made against the 60-year-old were upheld, with the host officially axed from the show following the investigation.
Torode’s sacking was announced shortly after after the racism complaint was upheld.
The duo began presenting the BBC cooking contest back in 2005 and, with the current series already filmed, the broadcaster then came under fire for its decision to air the episodes, which began on Wednesday, August 6.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed in July: “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6.
“MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.
“This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.
“In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters.
“We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
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“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.
“At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.
“Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual.
“There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”
GB News has contacted the BBC over the latest claims.
