BBC Director General Acknowledges “Antisemitic Behaviour By People Who Worked With Us” In All-Staff Note That Seeks To Rebuild Relations

Max Goldbart
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EXCLUSIVE: BBC Director General Tim Davie has acknowledged “antisemitic behavior by people who worked with us” in an all-staff note that attempts to rebuild relations with Jewish staffers.

Davie’s email this afternoon, seen by Deadline, said “there can be no place at the BBC for racist abuse of any kind, whether towards our Jewish colleagues or indeed colleagues from any background or belief,” as he acknowledged for the first time certain high-profile incidences that have taken place in the past few weeks. Read the email in full below.

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Deadline recently revealed that a senior BBC schedule co-ordinator, Dawn Queva, had faced disciplinary action over a string of antisemitic Facebook posts in which she referred to the “holohoax” and peddled extreme conspiracy theories, and she has since left the business. Soon after, relations with Jewish staffers were characterized by some as hitting all-time lows after an Apprentice contestant, Dr Asif Munaf, had to be given diversity training following antisemitic posts but continued to tweet. To staffers’ dismay, he recorded scenes for the You’re Fired companion show over the weekend but these scenes were cut following a backlash.

Davie wrote today: “As many of you may have seen, sadly in recent weeks we have been alerted to some antisemitic behaviour by people who worked with us. I want to be clear that there can be no place at the BBC for racist abuse of any kind, whether towards our Jewish colleagues or indeed colleagues from any background or belief. Any form of antisemitism, Islamophobia or racist abuse is abhorrent, and we will always act whenever it occurs. We must play our role to build understanding and tolerance.”

The Director General urged staffers to speak to line managers or HR if they are subject to any form of abuse. “We will continue to talk to a range of groups across the organisation as part of our shared commitment to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of background or belief,” he said.

Relations with BBC staffers have been strained for weeks, since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Deadline revealed last month that Davie had held “listening meetings” with staff as the broadcaster sought to address internal unrest over perceived bias in its coverage of the war and particularly the way in which it labels Hamas.

Danny Cohen, who used to run programing for the BBC and is now President of Access Entertainment, welcomed Davie’s note but said “it has taken months.”

“This is a significant management failure on racism which has had a damaging and distressing impact on British Jews,” he added. “I’m sure that the Jewish community won’t find much comfort in this email. Actions are what matter.”

The email in full

Dear all,

As we continue to cover events in the Middle East and their repercussions around the world, I, and all the Executive team, remain aware of how difficult and demanding this period has been for so many of you. We want to thank you all for your focus and hard work and also to reaffirm how important it is for each of us to hold true to our BBC values and continue to support each other.

I have talked in the past of the importance of kindness and treating those around us with consideration and respect. In these troubled times, it is more vital than ever that we act with empathy and humanity. Thank you to everyone who continues to offer support to all those working under increased pressure.

As an organisation, we must stand united against any form of abuse, prejudice or intolerance. As many of you may have seen, sadly in recent weeks we have been alerted to some antisemitic behaviour by people who worked with us. I want to be clear that there can be no place at the BBC for racist abuse of any kind, whether towards our Jewish colleagues or indeed colleagues from any background or belief. Any form of antisemitism, Islamophobia or racist abuse is abhorrent, and we will always act whenever it occurs. We must play our role to build understanding and tolerance.

When we come to work at the BBC, each of us brings our different experiences, beliefs and perspectives. This is our strength, and that diversity of views is critical to a creative organisation that serves the public. Together, we have an incredibly powerful opportunity and role to help bring people together at a time of polarisation and division.

If you have any concerns, about any form of abuse, I would ask you to speak up, either to your line manager or by using the support at work or whistleblowing services. The senior team and I are listening. We will continue to talk to a range of groups across the organisation as part of our shared commitment to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of background or belief.

The BBC is a precious institution which commands a unique place in the national conversation – and around the world. Your support in continually demonstrating our values is appreciated and critical to maintaining this position.

Best wishes,

Tim

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