BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey is taking a "step back" from his late-night show following the broadcast of a Panorama investigation, the BBC has announced.
BBC Statement
The BBC said today: "The Panorama investigation included allegations about Tony Livesey which we take seriously. We also note Tony has firmly denied the allegations. He has asked to step back from presenting his radio show for a short period and we will be considering the matters raised by the programme. We will not be commenting further at this stage."
Background of the Allegations
The decision comes after the broadcast of a Panorama episode titled Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss, which looked into David Sullivan's behaviour towards women during his ownership of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport. Tony Livesey served as editor-in-chief of those newspapers before joining the BBC, meaning he worked alongside Sullivan for several years.
The programme spoke to seven women who allege that Sullivan was sexually exploitative towards them, claims he "categorically denies." Sullivan has stated he is quitting his role as West Ham director to fight what he calls false allegations.
Livesey's Response
On Panorama, a woman identified as 'Florence' claimed that Livesey introduced her to Sullivan, who then arranged for her to visit his home. Livesey said he had "no recollection" of putting a woman on the phone to speak to Sullivan as described and insisted that introducing anyone to Sullivan was not part of his role. He told the programme he had "great sympathy for a woman who may have become a victim" but rejected any suggestion that he played "any role whatsoever in that scenario." He also described the allegation as "abhorrent."
Livesey's step back from his radio show is seen as a temporary measure while the BBC considers the matters raised by the programme.
