BBC Chief Tim Davie: ‘Let Down’ by Huw Edwards and Jermaine Jenas Scandal

BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, expressed that the corporation felt “let down” by a series of scandals involving Huw Edwards, Jermaine Jenas, and the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing issues.

The taxpayer-funded company, obligated to maintain impartiality, has faced heightened scrutiny following multiple allegations against its high-profile staff.

Disgraced broadcaster Huw Edwards recently pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, ending a four-decade-long career in disgrace.

Match of the Day host Jermaine Jenas was dismissed after complaints about “unsolicited messages,” and Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice were dropped from the family-friendly dance show, Strictly Come Dancing, following a series of troublesome accusations about their training session behaviors.

“The shocking news about Huw Edwards and other stories concerning some of our high-profile shows have put the BBC in the spotlight,” Davie said in an email to the company staff.

“It can be challenging for us all when the BBC becomes the headline. We work for this wonderful organization because we care about what it stands for and the role it plays in society.

“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 know there will be lessons to learn to ensure we have the strongest possible workplace culture.”

Jenas, who was married at the time of sending messages to two female staff members, apologized but insisted the communications were “between two consenting adults” and his behavior was not illegal.

Meanwhile, Edwards has been asked to return the £200,000 salary he received between his arrest and guilty plea, for which he awaits sentencing.

Di Prima and Pernice have been subject to an investigation, with results expected soon.

In July, Davie admitted he was “disappointed” by the allegations surrounding Strictly, adding that he was “very sorry that anyone has had an experience that hasn’t been wholly positive.”

“That’s something we do need to reflect on and I’m sorry about that,” he added, according to the BBC.

“There are clearly learnings specifically about oversight in the training rooms that we need to address.”

Source: BBC, Getty