BBC faces questions as star presenter is accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit pictures

Britain's BBC volition look questions from the authorities connected Sunday astir its handling of an allegation that 1 of its prima presenters paid a teen thousands of pounds to airs for sexually explicit photos opening erstwhile they were 17 years old.

A authorities connection said that Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer would clasp urgent talks with the broadcaster's manager general, Tim Davie, aboriginal connected Sunday astir the allegations, which the connection described arsenic "deeply concerning".

The Sun newspaper, which archetypal reported the allegations, cited the young person's parent arsenic saying the unnamed antheral presenter had paid the teen much than 35,000 pounds ($45,000) implicit 3 years for the images.

The parent told the paper that the teen had utilized the currency to money a ace cocaine habit.

The household complained to the broadcaster connected May 19, but the presenter was not instantly taken disconnected air, according to the Sun, which said the household had not requested outgo for their story.

The BBC, which is funded by a licence interest paid by each TV-watching household, said successful a statement: "We dainty immoderate allegations precise earnestly and we person processes successful spot to proactively woody with them."

The broadcaster said its processes included "actively attempting to talk to those who person contacted america successful bid to question further item and knowing of the situation".

"If we get nary reply to our attempts oregon person nary further interaction that tin bounds our quality to advancement things but it does not mean our enquiries stop.

"If, astatine immoderate point, caller accusation comes to airy oregon is provided – including via newspapers – this volition beryllium acted upon appropriately, successful enactment with interior processes," it said.