Commenting on the media trial of a BBC presenter who allegedly paid £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for sexual photographs, human rights activist Peter Tatchell said it was another homophobic “witch-hunt”.
His statement, although vague, hints at the possibility of the BBC presenter being a member of the LGBTQ community in some way.
The report was published on 7 July Sun Allegations on a star presenter of British media company BBC When the young man was 17 years old, the anonymous person exchanged money for photographs. He was taken off air.
The alleged victim’s mother revealed that the money was allegedly used to sustain a cocaine addiction that destroyed her child’s life.
BBC acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to treat them with the utmost seriousness.
As a result, the presenter has been suspended pending further investigation.
respond of the sun report a BBC “We take any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to actively deal with them,” the spokesperson said.
mother allegedly reached out to him BBC In May 2023 he was urged to intervene.
Both US media companies declined to name the presenter or identify the person who received the money.
As soon as the story broke out, countless claims were made on social media accusing some BBC’s High-profile hosts including Rylan Clark, who publicly denied it.
Rights activist Tatchell is among those who sense a “homosexuality” element in this “vicious” speculation.
Tatchell said speculation on Twitter over the weekend was mainly focused on “gay” BBC Presenters like Rylan Clark, without any evidence.”
He explained, “The objection is clear. It’s the old dogma that gay men are predators. It’s an echo of past witch-hunting of LGBT people.” pinknews,
“It shows that despite our many achievements in terms of legal rights and public opinion, we are still the target of a vocal, dangerous anti-gay minority.”
Tatchell had previously spoken out against what he described as “anti-gay prejudice” regarding the “waste of Phillip Scofield”. ITV The presenter who quit after admitting an affair with a younger colleague.
Amid speculation, on 8 July, Rylan Clarke denied involvement in any capacity, tweeting: “Not sure why my name is floating around, but that’s the story in The Sun – that’s not me babe. I’m currently I’m in Italy shooting a show for the BBC, so get your name out the door.”
Other BBC presenters were forced to clear their names due to the sensitivity.
Responding to the allegations, BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine tweeted, “It’s definitely not me”.
He added: “Just wanted to say that I am very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday – whoever it is”.BBC Presenter’ is in the news, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier: It’s definitely not me.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: “Hate to disappoint the haters, but that’s not me.”
