Behind the polished set of BBC Breakfast, things might not be as calm as they appear.
Veteran presenter Naga Munchetty, known for her confident delivery on screen, is now facing serious backlash off-air.
Several sources have come forward with troubling allegations about her treatment of junior colleagues, leading to mounting pressure from BBC leadership.
Claims of Explosive Reactions and Intimidation Surface
According to a former team member, Naga, 50, has gained a reputation for being extremely difficult to work with—especially for younger, less experienced staff.
She’s allegedly been prone to “blowing up” over minor mistakes, with one intern reportedly being reduced to embarrassment over a bowl of porridge that wasn’t made to her exact liking.
The former colleague described the moment she rejected the breakfast mid-show because it was “too hot,” adding that Naga insisted her food must be prepared by the same person each day.
The intern, stunned and humiliated, reportedly left the set to throw the porridge away and rushed to make a new one before the next break.
BBC Launches Internal Review Amid Rising Complaints
The BBC has now officially placed Munchetty “under review,” according to insiders.
The review, prompted by multiple staff accounts of alleged bullying behavior, aims to determine whether a full investigation is necessary.
A spokesperson for the BBC stated that while they don’t comment on individual situations, they take all workplace conduct issues seriously and have systems in place to investigate complaints.
This move comes after a string of incidents that reportedly raised red flags among senior executives.
Sources claim that complaints about Munchetty’s conduct have been gathering momentum, prompting action from higher-ups at the broadcaster.
Past Warnings and Off-Air Controversy Add Fuel to the Fire
The presenter had reportedly been pulled into a meeting in 2022 after using a slang term for a sexual act during an off-air conversation at BBC Radio 5 Live, shocking colleagues in the studio.
That wasn’t the only time she landed in hot water—she was also allegedly warned by BBC bosses after being accused of bullying a female junior colleague on the BBC Breakfast team.
These past incidents have resurfaced amid the ongoing review, intensifying the scrutiny around Munchetty’s professional behavior and treatment of co-workers.
Leadership Shake-Up and Deep Division Behind the Scenes
The tension doesn’t stop at Munchetty.
The program’s editor, Richard Frediani, has also taken extended leave following an internal probe into claims of bullying and misconduct.
Staff are said to feel increasingly uncomfortable, with accusations that Frediani once physically shook a female editor.
A source likened the show’s working environment to “The Hunger Games,” saying the workplace has become deeply divided.
Some team members still support Naga and Frediani for their tough, old-school newsroom style, while others say the toxic environment has become unbearable.
Possible Exit Strategy? LBC Reportedly in the Picture
As the review continues, Munchetty’s team is reportedly keeping the doors open elsewhere.
Insiders say her representatives have been in discussions with LBC, exploring potential opportunities at the radio station.
While she is said to still love her job at the BBC, the ongoing controversy may be wearing her down.
One source noted that LBC’s more direct, news-led style might suit Naga better, as it avoids what they described as the “fluffy nonsense” of BBC programming.
Talks with Global, the parent company of LBC, are reportedly still in the early stages.
Tensions with Co-Host and Salary Disparity Raise Eyebrows
Amid all this turmoil, figures recently released by the BBC revealed that Munchetty received a £10,000 salary bump, bringing her annual earnings to £355,000.
That’s nearly twice what her co-host Charlie Stayt, 63, reportedly earns—still within the £190,000 range.
The pay gap, combined with rumors of increasing tension between the two presenters, has further fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes discord.
Munchetty currently appears on BBC Breakfast from Thursday through Saturday alongside Stayt, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent handle the early-week shifts.
What’s Next for Naga Munchetty?
With a BBC review now underway and a potential shift to LBC being discussed, Munchetty’s future at the corporation seems uncertain.
Whether the current review turns into a formal investigation will depend on how many complaints are validated and the nature of the findings.
For now, BBC staff and viewers alike are waiting to see whether the longstanding face of morning news will stay put—or take her talents elsewhere amid the growing storm.
