BBC Apologizes for Failing to Protect Staff from Stalker Abuse

The BBC has issued a full apology to four former female employees for failing to protect them from Alex Belfield, a former presenter who was jailed for stalking. The corporation acknowledged that it ignored their warnings and did not adequately address the impact of Belfield's abusive behavior before 2019. Belfield, sentenced to five and a half years in prison in 2022, was cleared of stalking charges against the women but was found to have targeted them in a campaign of revenge, resulting in psychological trauma. The BBC stated it has since expanded mental wellbeing resources and improved internal investigation processes to better support staff. The apology comes amid growing scrutiny over the BBC's handling of staff welfare and complaints related to abuse, particularly in the context of social media. The organization committed to ongoing improvements in managing such issues while expressing deep sorrow for its past failures.