Huw Edwards has been hit with fresh claims of sending “inappropriate” messages to BBC employees including about their appearance, which left them feeling a “cold shudder”.
On Wednesday (July 12) Huw was named by his wife Vicky Flind as the BBC presenter involved in the sex pictures scandal.
It was claimed last week that an unnamed presenter had allegedly paid a young person £35,000 for sexually explicit pictures over the course of three years.
READ MORE: BBC stars who could replace Huw Edwards – BBC Breakfast legend to Channel 5 star
It is understood contact started when the young person was 17 years old and lasted until the age of 20 – however the police have since ruled out a criminal offence.
And now, it has been alleged that junior staff members have previously received “inappropriate messages” from Huw – but revealed they did not complain to bosses.
(Image: BBC)
One current employee told BBC they were left with a “cold shudder” after receiving messages about their appearance.
After Huw was confirmed to be the presenter, three BBC employees, one who previously worked at the broadcaster and two who currently work there, came forward with claims.
Victoria Derbyshire, host of BBC Newsnight, said she spoke to one former employee.
“This person told me they had never met the newsreader, this person said that they had received late night messages on social media including kisses from Huw Edwards, which they said they believed was an abuse of power,” she claimed.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Victoria also noted how an employee who still works at the corporation “told us that the presenter had sent them a message on social media commenting on their physical appearance, which gave them a cold shudder”.
While BBC News Special Correspondent Lucy Manning said: “There are questions for BBC bosses about the culture in the newsroom and the way that complaints can be raised and the way people feel comfortable or not to raise them.”
The journalist also claimed that two out of the three people said they felt they couldn’t report what they deemed inappropriate behaviour to BBC managers.
Speaking about her source, she added: “This is someone who is very loyal to the BBC and they believe it is not just a problem for the BBC but across the whole industry.”
She went on: “The BBC responded tonight saying it is encouraging staff to come forward if they have concerns.”
Huw’s wife Vicky Flind released a statement which read: “In light of the recent reporting regarding the ‘BBC Presenter’ I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children.
“Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years.
“The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future.
“Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published.
“To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.
“In the circumstances and given Huw’s condition I would like to ask that the privacy of my family and everyone else caught up in these upsetting events is respected.
“I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation.
“We hope this statement will bring that to an end.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
