It has been a tumultuous year for the BBC, as the broadcaster finds itself in the eye of a storm over workplace scandals, controversial editorial decisions, and the ever-present challenge of maintaining public trust. On September 9, 2025, BBC director-general Tim Davie appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, facing tough questions from MPs about recent scandals and the corporation’s efforts to root out abuses of power within its ranks. Davie did not mince words: "I'm not letting anything lie" when it comes to addressing misconduct at the BBC, he declared, according to the BBC.
Davie’s appearance came at a moment when the BBC has been rocked by a series of high-profile controversies, from the sacking of MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode to the fallout from its coverage of the Gaza conflict and the uproar over a Glastonbury performance. The director-general acknowledged the gravity of the situation, telling MPs, "We may see more things coming out, because in some ways I'm asking for it, and being utterly transparent and running towards the problem, that's what we need to do," as reported by Sky News.
One of the most dramatic episodes discussed was the so-called MasterChef crisis. Both Gregg Wallace, 60, and John Torode, 59, were ousted from the long-running cooking competition after a damning Silkins review—commissioned by production company Banijay UK—upheld 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace, including a case of "unwelcome physical contact." Torode was also dismissed after an allegation of racist language included in the report, though he claims to have no recollection of the incident. The consequences, Davie stressed, were significant: "They no longer work with the BBC."
The BBC’s response to the MasterChef scandal was scrutinized, particularly its decision to air the latest series, which had been filmed before Christmas 2024. Davie explained that the production team consulted with all participants, and "the vast, vast majority wanted it aired, so you did have that balance." He added, "I think the consequences for the individuals who presented MasterChef have been very significant, they're no longer working with the BBC, so there are those consequences. The other thing in my mind is people can choose to watch it or not, so there's an element of trust in the audience." Ultimately, the BBC decided to move forward, announcing Grace Dent and Anna Haugh as the new presenters, marking the first time in two decades the show will not be helmed by Wallace and Torode.
But MasterChef was just one of several scandals to rock the broadcaster in recent years. The BBC has also had to contend with the case of former top news anchor Huw Edwards, who received a six-month suspended jail sentence after admitting to charges of making indecent images of children. In the realm of entertainment, Strictly Come Dancing faced its own reckoning, with professional dancers investigated over allegations of bullying and abusive behavior. Giovanni Pernice, for example, was accused of creating a "toxic environment"—claims he denied, though a probe upheld six complaints of verbal bullying. Graziano Di Prima left the show following claims of physical and verbal abuse, and further investigations into drug use by two other professionals are ongoing. Even BBC Breakfast has not been immune, coming under review after a spate of bullying allegations against presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty.
Against this backdrop, Davie was unequivocal about the BBC’s stance: "If you're not living the values, it is clear you leave the BBC or there are consequences," he told MPs. "No one is irreplaceable. Absolutely no one, seriously, no one," echoed BBC chair Samir Shah. Davie added, "We're all dispensable. That's an absolute, unequivocal position being given to the whole BBC." He insisted that the broadcaster does not have a "toxic culture," though he acknowledged "pockets where things were not right." The culture, he said, is "ongoing," and the current moment in society is one where abuses are being called out.
Davie also faced pointed questions about the BBC’s editorial decisions. The broadcaster came under fire in July for breaching its editorial guidelines with the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, which aired in February 2025 but was later pulled from iPlayer after it was revealed that the child narrator was the son of a Hamas official. Davie called the airing "a bad mistake" and assured MPs that the BBC had "executed the recommendations," with consequences for those involved. He described covering the Israel-Hamas war as "the toughest coverage challenge we have ever faced" and criticized Israel for refusing to allow journalists into Gaza, calling the restriction "unacceptable."
The corporation was also accused of being "overcautious" for shelving another Gaza documentary, Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was eventually aired by Channel 4. Labour MP Dr. Rupa Huq described the BBC’s handling of the film as "a disrespect for small, independent work done with integrity." Davie defended the decision, noting that the BBC operates under different editorial guidelines than Channel 4.
Another flashpoint was the BBC’s handling of Glastonbury coverage, specifically the live broadcast of a set by Bob Vylan, which included chants of "death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)." Davie called the broadcast "absolutely an antisemitic broadcast" and "deeply disturbing," admitting, "the BBC made a very significant mistake." He acted quickly to remove the performance from on-demand services, stating, "We're not broadcasting this guy. I think I did the right thing." The incident has prompted the BBC to stop broadcasting "high risk" performances live, and an investigation is ongoing, with Avon and Somerset Police involved.
Even the casting decisions for Strictly Come Dancing drew scrutiny, particularly the inclusion of ex-Apprentice contestant Tom Skinner, who has a large social media following and has shared controversial views online. Davie clarified that casting decisions are made by the production team and emphasized the importance of clear boundaries: "If someone has broadcast things that are totally unacceptable [and] racist, you know, we don't want anywhere near our shows. That's obvious." He cautioned against excluding people for merely holding "slightly controversial" views, saying, "I just think we've cut the list down too far nowadays."
Throughout the hearing, Davie stressed that changing the culture of a large institution like the BBC is "ongoing work" and cannot be achieved in six months. "I think things have changed since we last talked to the committee, we are seeing people call it out, and that is a positive change, but it's ongoing work," he said. He would not comment on whether further scandals are brewing, explaining, "I don't think it's right for me to talk about the specifics of what the whistleblowing team are dealing with day to day."
As the BBC navigates this period of intense scrutiny, Davie admitted the pressure is real: "If I said I wasn't feeling the pressure, I would be inhuman." But he maintained that transparency, accountability, and a willingness to confront problems head-on are the only way forward. For a broadcaster long seen as a pillar of British public life, how it responds to these challenges may well determine its future standing with both the public and its own staff.
