Culture secretary Lucy Frazer will hold urgent talks with the BBC’s director general on Sunday, after a presenter was accused of paying a teenager £35,000 for sexually explicit photos.
In a statement, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport called the allegations “deeply concerning”.
The claims, first reported by the Sun, include that the young person’s family complained to the BBC back in May.
The BBC must investigate urgently and sensitively, the DCMS said.
“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with [DCMS] kept informed,” the statement read.
Ms Fraser will speak to Tim Davie, head of the BBC, later on Sunday, it added.
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