Nicky Campbell has spoken out after he was "falsely named" as the BBC presenter facing accusations of paying a teenager for sexually explicit pictures.
The 62-year-old broadcaster was among a string of celebs forced to clear their name following allegations that a BBC presenter paid £35,000 for explicit photographs. Introducing his BBC Radio 5 Live show on Monday, Campbell said: “Obviously thoughts with the alleged victim and family.
“So a bit of perspective here, worse things happen at sea as they say, but it was a distressing weekend, I can’t deny it, for me and others falsely named. Today I am having further conversations with the police in terms of malicious communication and with lawyers in terms of defamation.”
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It comes after he suggested police were contacted about him being falsely mentioned online in connection with the story. He posted a screenshot on Twitter which featured the Metropolitan Police logo and the words: "Thank you for contacting the Metropolitan Police Service to report your crime.”
“I think it’s important to take a stand. There’s just too many of these people on social media. Thanks for your support friends,” he wrote.
On his BBC radio show, a caller rang to say she was “so angry and cross” that Campbell and others had to come forward and clear their names. “I think it’s important to take a stand. There’s just too many of these people on social media. Thanks for your support friends,” he wrote.
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The BBC have suspended the presenter, who has not been named, as investigations take place. Other presenters have taken to publicly say they are not the ones involved in the allegation.
Gary Lineker tweeted: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.” Meanwhile, Ryan Clark wrote: "Not sure why my name’s floating about but re that story in the Sun – that ain’t me babe.
"I’m currently filming a show in Italy for the BBC, so take my name out ya mouths.” Jeremy Vine said: "Just to say I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday — whoever the ‘BBC Presenter’ in the news is, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier: it certainly ain’t me.”
Meanwhile, Jon Kay explained his absence from the BBC Breakfast sofa tweeting: “Enjoying some extra sleep and long-planned annual leave with the family, so no need to set my alarm clock tomorrow morning.
“Back on the red sofa with my BBC Breakfast family in Salford in two weeks’ time.”
