UMVA has learned that Victoria Derbyshire was recently reprimanded by BBC bosses following an investigation into bullying allegations made against her on Newsnight.
Despite the allegations being thoroughly examined, none of them were ultimately upheld. The investigation was launched last Autumn by the corporation's support at work team, looking into claims of unprofessional behavior made by the production team and presenters.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that senior staff members reviewed allegations of misconduct, with some concerns raised on behalf of more junior staff by former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark and the BBC's former chief content officer Charlotte Moore. Derbyshire, 57, denied all allegations made against her.
According to information obtained by UMVA, three complaints were received, with one source accusing Derbyshire of making off-air colleagues uncomfortable with her language and tone. However, Derbyshire rejected this claim, stating she can be exacting and direct under the pressure of a newsroom environment.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that despite the allegations being dismissed, BBC bosses still reprimanded Derbyshire for her behavior. A senior individual with knowledge of the process said: 'The line has now been drawn… It has all been dealt with.'
An ally of Derbyshire's praised her highly, calling her a journalist with 'exacting standards' who is 'direct' but 'a really important part of Newsnight.' A BBC presenter described Derbyshire as someone who has 'really high expectations' and wants the program to be the best, but others may view her behavior as too much.
Derbyshire has had a distinguished career, winning a Bafta in 2017 for her journalism on the sexual abuse suffered by former footballers. She has also been praised for her reporting through a breast cancer diagnosis and recently secured a UK exclusive interview with Gisèle Pelicot, a rape survivor.
A BBC spokesperson stated: 'We take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behavior that is not in line with our values.'
