BBC stars deny being the presenter accused of paying teenagers for sexually explicit photos

Several BBC stars have distanced themselves from allegations that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager more than £35,000 for sexually explicit photos.

The Sun did not name the “well-known” person facing the allegations, but said: They make a six-figure salary and are currently off the air.

The claims have sparked frantic speculation on social media about the man’s identity.

But legal experts, including former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, have warned the public that they could face legal action if they make false accusations online.

He wrote on Twitter: “A little legal advice… If you call someone by their name and misunderstand them, they can sue you for defamation and you can say goodbye to everything you own. So don’t do it.”

The series of false claims has angered several high-profile BBC stars and prompted some to speak out publicly to clear their names.

Nicky Campbell

The BBC Radio 5 Live presenter is one of the speakers and appears to have gone to the police after being mistakenly named as the man online.

He posted a website screenshot on Twitter that read: “Thank you for contacting the Metropolitan Police Service to report your crime.”

Mr Campbell added: “I think it’s important to take a stand. There are just too many of these people on social media. Thank you for your support, friends.”

He also wrote, “Please delete this or I will sue you” and “I’m coming to you,” in response to other Twitter users who appeared to falsely accuse him.

Gary Lineker

The former England football star and Match Of The Day presenter was another big name to mention.

“I’m sorry to disappoint the haters, but that’s not me,” he tweeted.

The presenter also doesn’t match The Sun’s description that the unnamed star is being paid a six-figure salary, based on the latest figures available.

A report released by the BBC last summer revealed he had a seven-figure higher salary – between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999.

Read more:
Everything we know about claims a BBC presenter paid a teenager for explicit photos
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BBC objects to Twitter’s ‘state-funded media’ label.

Rylan Clark

The TV and radio presenter is another innocent man who has spoken out after his name was incorrect.

The 34-year-old wrote on Twitter: “Not sure why my names are being bandied about but again I know the story is in the sun – that’s not me baby.”

“I’m currently filming a show in Italy for the BBC, so tell me my name.”

Jeremy Vine

The BBC Radio 2 presenter also reacted with frustration to claims that he was the man involved in the allegations.

The dad-of-two said: “Just to say I’m really looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday – whoever the ‘BBC presenter’ is on the news, I have the same message for you as Rylan did before: It’s definitely not me.

Vine also liked a tweet that said, “I find both Jeremy Vine and Rylan mildly irritating and change the channel when they show up… However, there is no way either of them are the target of such.” is speculation.”

The rest

Several other moderators have also been incorrectly named on social media – but have so far chosen not to issue public denials.

Dozens of BBC presenters are on six-figure salaries or currently have no shows on air, leading to fears that many of them could have their reputations unfairly damaged by being falsely linked to the allegations.

BBC special correspondent Lucy Manning told the corporation’s News at Ten programme: “The BBC has to respond… if you’re fair to other presenters who have nothing to do with it that their names are now in the headlines, so to speak.”