Huw Edwards Case: BBC Board Backs Execs, Seeks Post-Arrest Salary Return

blog

The BBC board has thrown its support behind executive decisions surrounding the Huw Edwards scandal, while also initiating steps to reclaim the presenter’s salary and commissioning an independent review of workplace culture.

In a statement released Friday, the board addressed the recent events involving Edwards, who pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children recently. The board reviewed the BBC’s handling of complaints and investigations prior to Edwards’ resignation on April 22, 2024.

“The board supports the decisions taken by the Director-General [Tim Davie] and his team during this period,” the statement read, citing considerations of legal obligations, available information, duty of care and public fund accountability.

Related Stories

Illustration of a digital brain surrounded by film festival awards laurels VIP+

What Film Fund From AI Startup Runway Means for Content’s Future

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MARCH 31: Kendrick Lamar performs during the third day of Lollapalooza Buenos Aires 2019 at Hipodromo de San Isidro on March 31, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Santiago Bluguermann/Getty Images)

Will Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Become the First Diss Track to Win Big at the Grammys?

In a notable move, the board has authorized executives to pursue the return of Edwards’ salary from the time of his arrest in November 2023. “Mr. Edwards pleaded guilty to an appalling crime,” the board stated. “Had he been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money.”

Popular on Variety

The statement underlined the impact on the broadcaster’s reputation: “He has clearly undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute.”

Acknowledging broader implications, the board announced plans for an independent review to strengthen workplace culture and address power imbalances. “Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards,” the statement said.

The review’s terms and leadership will be outlined in early September, with findings to be published within months.

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXOAjq2taJ%2BcpK%2BiuI6hrLBllZnEor7DrGSbmpNir7Ct0Z1krJmclr%2B6eZBram9pYGaAeYWO