The Metropolitan Police has announced that there is “no investigation” ongoing into the BBC incident in which one of its stars is said to have paid a kid for sexual photographs.
In response to claims that an anonymous male presenter paid a teen more than £35,000 for the images, the broadcaster stated last night that it had gotten in touch with the police.
The incident is believed to have started when the victim, who is the subject of the allegations, was 17. The victim is now 20 years old.
Detectives are now assessing information discussed in a virtual meeting with the company, but an investigation has not been launched ‘at this time’.
A Met statement said: ‘Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command met with representatives from the BBC on the morning of Monday, July 10.
‘The meeting took place virtually. They are assessing the information discussed at the meeting and further enquiries are taking place to establish if there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.
‘There is no investigation at this time.’
This is the latest scandal to hit the BBC after the allegations first came to light on Saturday in the Sun.
Director-general Tim Davie is due to face the media tomorrow for a briefing after the release of the corporation’s annual report.
In a note to staff on Sunday, he said: ‘The BBC became aware of a complaint in May; the BBC investigations team have been looking into this since it was raised and have been actively following up.
‘New allegations, of a different nature, were put to us on Thursday, and, in addition to our own inquiries, we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.
‘I can also confirm that we have suspended a member of staff.’
He added: ‘By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex.
‘I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.
‘We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports.
‘I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.’
The BBC said it had been investigating a complaint since May, adding that new claims of a ‘different nature’ were brought to it on Thursday.
As well as being in touch with the police, the corporation is carrying out its own inquiries and talking to the young person’s family.