Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BEEB BOSSES ‘PROBE 25 SEX PESTS’
Surge in complaints after Weinstein Gossip Girl star accused of rape
THE BBC is investigating a flood of sexual harassment allegations after asking victims to come forward in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
Bosses are looking into the behaviour of 25 people, some facing multiple claims.
And BBC star Ed Westwick – not one of the 25 – is accused of rape, which he denies. Beeb chief Anne Bulford said: “We have 25 live cases at the moment which is
a range of different issues coming through.” The deputy director general told MPS yesterday: “All the time we are encouraging people to step forward.
“You perhaps won’t be surprised to know that we have a spike at present. More cases than we have seen over the last three years.”
A BBC source added: “Since the Weinstein revelations we’ve been actively encouraging staff to come forward with any concerns.
“There are 25 cases and some have more than one allegation that has been made against them.”
Those being investigated are said to include popular BBC stars.
Radio 5 Live Breakfast star George Riley has already been suspended over allegations said to be made by five women. A second unnamed broadcaster is also under investigation. The Mirror understands there are now claims against 23 other men.
Director general Tony Hall yesterday insisted the BBC had a “zero tolerance” to harassment.
He said: “That means to make it as easy as possible to do the very difficult thing and come forward.”
Gossip Girl star Westwick was separately accused of rape by actress Kristina Cohen, 27.
She claimed he held her down on a bed three years ago at his home after she had gone there for dinner with her boyfriend.
But Westwick, 30, posted on Instagram last night: “I do not know this woman. I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape.”
The BBC refused to comment on Kristina’s claim.