The BBC has responded to complaints over Naga Munchetty's behaviour towards her former BBC Breakfast colleague Carol Kirkwood, ruling that the complaints were not upheld. The 51-year-old presenter faced backlash after making playful remarks that viewers claimed were intended to 'embarrass' Kirkwood during the weather presenter's last day on the show in April.
Complaints and Ruling
The BBC's Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) addressed the issue in their fortnightly complaints report, confirming that viewers had made official complaints citing 'offensive treatment of Carol Kirkwood'. However, the ECU ruled that the complaints were not upheld. The BBC only publishes the number of complaints if there are more than 100.
The Incident
During Kirkwood's final appearance on BBC Breakfast in April after 28 years as a weather presenter, Munchetty made a series of remarks that some viewers interpreted as 'sly jabs'. When Kirkwood expressed surprise at Munchetty being in the studio, saying 'Thank you all for coming - and even you, Nags!', Munchetty responded with a deadpan expression: 'I'm just waiting for the countdown for you to go!' before laughing.
Munchetty then presented Kirkwood with a framed illustration by Mr Men artist Adam Hargreaves, portraying her as Little Miss Sunshine. When Kirkwood said she would treasure it, Munchetty interjected: 'In the toilet?' Later, when a special cake was brought out, Munchetty quipped: 'Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?' Kirkwood replied, 'No, Naga, absolutely not - why would I do that?' and Munchetty responded: 'Exactly. Why change it? We're only going to remember you one way.'
Backstage Relationships
The exchanges led viewers to speculate that the pair harboured tensions backstage. However, a TV insider told The Sun: 'Naga and Carol have been very close personal friends for many years, as well as being very good colleagues as part of the BBC Breakfast Team. Everyone involved in Carol Kirkwood's last programme for Breakfast on 1 April was there to pay tribute to Carol's long service for the BBC, and they all did so fittingly.'
Munchetty was one of the only presenters not to make a pre-recorded solo tribute to Kirkwood. Other colleagues who joined Kirkwood on the sofa included Dan Walker, Mike Bushell, and Matt Taylor, who replaced Kirkwood as weather presenter.
Previous Allegations
Munchetty, who joined BBC Breakfast in 2014, was placed under review last year following complaints of bullying. She was accused of bullying a female colleague and making a 'wildly unprofessional' off-air sex joke that left a co-worker 'humiliated'. The broadcaster was reportedly allowed to remain on the show under strict conditions while an official investigation took place.
