Long-serving BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell has apologised to colleagues after using a derogatory homophobic slur during an internal work meeting.
The incident reportedly happened while Campbell was recounting a story in which another person had originally used the offensive expression.
Although he was repeating the term as part of the anecdote rather than directing it at anyone, some members of staff were left uncomfortable by its repeated use.
Colleagues React Differently During Meeting
The meeting, attended by six editors, reportedly saw mixed reactions from those present.
While some colleagues reportedly laughed at the anecdote, others were shocked by the language used and questioned whether it was appropriate in a professional setting.
According to reports, concerns about the incident grew in the days that followed, with some staff members expressing that the repeated use of the slur could be deeply upsetting regardless of the context in which it was spoken.
One source claimed opinions in the room were divided, but acknowledged that the remark sparked increasing criticism after the meeting concluded.
Campbell Issues Personal Apology to Staff
After learning that some colleagues had been offended, Campbell apologised directly to members of his team in person.
The apology was made face-to-face rather than through a written statement, with the veteran broadcaster seeking to address concerns raised by staff following the incident.
Neither Campbell nor the BBC has publicly commented further on the matter.
Nearly Four Decades at the BBC
Campbell is one of the BBC’s most recognisable radio voices, having spent close to 40 years with the broadcaster.
He first joined BBC Radio 1 in 1987 before moving to BBC Radio 5 Live a decade later.
Over the years, he became synonymous with the station’s Breakfast programme, hosting the flagship morning show for two decades before stepping down in 2021.
At the time of his departure from Breakfast, Campbell joked that leaving the early-morning slot would finally allow him to enjoy more sleep.
He now hosts the weekday programme Your Call, which airs each morning between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Broadcaster Recently Shared Family Ordeal
The workplace controversy comes only weeks after Campbell revealed that his daughter, Lilla, had been seriously injured in a hit-and-run involving an electric bike in Peckham, south London.
The 26-year-old was taken to hospital after the collision, suffering significant injuries before later being discharged to continue her recovery at home.
Campbell said his family felt fortunate that the outcome had not been even worse and appealed for any available CCTV footage that might help identify the rider responsible.
Disturbing Hospital Incident Ends With Arrest
While updating followers about his daughter’s recovery, Campbell also described an unsettling episode that unfolded inside the hospital.
He said a drunken man entered the trauma area where Lilla and her sisters were waiting and exposed himself before police intervened. Officers later arrested the individual, with Campbell praising their swift response to the incident.
The broadcaster has since continued presenting his regular radio programme while his daughter recovers from her injuries.
