BBC Director General issues grovelling apology following 'shocking' Huw Edwards, Strictly and Jermaine Jenas scandals
Tim Davie has addressed BBC Staff
PA
The BBC Director General has spoken out following a string of scandals including Huw Edwards, the Strictly Come Dancing probe and Jermaine Jenas’ sacking.
Tim Davie said the recent news stories were “shocking” and that he wanted to make the corporation the "strongest possible workplace culture."
In an email sent to all BBC staff members he said he wanted to "acknowledge that this has been a demanding period for the BBC" reports The Sun.
He went on to thank staff for how they supported the BBC as they "navigated a tough situation."
Tim Davie has addressed BBC Staff
PA
He said: "Aside from the challenges of delivering such brilliant output, I want to acknowledge that this has been a demanding period for the BBC and everyone who works within it. The shocking news about Huw Edwards and other stories, concerning some of our high profile shows, have put the BBC in the spotlight.
"It can be challenging for us all when the BBC becomes the headline...I know we have all felt let down and worried about the impact on the BBC.
"However, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and we know there will be lessons we can learn to ensure we have the strongest possible workplace culture."
In the email he also said he was making changing the culture at the BBC a “critical priority."
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The BBC has been embroiled in scandals recently
PAIt comes as Davie is set to discuss the corporation’s support for regional economic growth and renewal amid recent controversy surrounding the corporation at the Royal Television Society London Convention 2024.
Jenas was sacked by the corporation and apologised for sending inappropriate messages to two women while the month prior disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.
Meanwhile, a probe into flagship entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing is ongoing, after contestant Amanda Abbington called in lawyers after accusing show dancer Giovanni Pernice of being abusive.
Pernice denied the allegations and quit the show earlier this year. Following this pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked after it was revealed he had kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during training.
Amanda Abbington accused Giovanni Pernice of being abusive
BBCDavie later defended his decision to employ Edwards until April, five months after he was told of Edwards’ arrest in November over the most serious category of indecent images of children.
Edwards resigned from the BBC in April “on the basis of medical advice from his doctors” after unrelated allegations that he paid a young person for sexually-explicit photos.
He will next appear in court on September 16.