BBC Breakfast bosses apologised to Spice Girl Geri Horner over a toe-curling interview with show hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt.
The singer was left shocked by the sofa clash, in which Naga asked: “Do you not like being interviewed?”
Things got awkward between the pair when Geri referenced Naga’s life[/caption]
After her appearance, Geri, 52, allegedly said she did not want to appear on the show opposite the pair ever again.
A source said: “Everyone noticed the interview was becoming quite awkward and then when Geri referenced Naga’s life directly things got really frosty.
“Geri isn’t used to that kind of approach and felt ambushed, it unnerved her.
“A few people apologised afterwards for Naga being a cow to her and then Geri made it clear she didn’t want to be interviewed by them again in future.”
Details of the October 2023 clash resurfaced as the flagship breakfast programme is facing claims of toxicity, with boss Richard Frediani under investigation for alleged bullying.
Geri was at the BBC to promote her latest novel and was outlining the “rules” behind her drive.
She pointed at Naga and said: “First rule, have courage, take the chance you fear the most, which you did.”
It came days after Naga, now 50, had appeared before MPs to say she was “never taken seriously” by doctors over her uterus condition.
Then, pointing at both Charlie and Naga, Geri went on: “Second rule, united we stand, we need each other.
“Third rule, never give up, be of service, be useful. Fourth rule, if you don’t like these rules, make up your own.”
Naga interrupted, saying: “Do you know what, you’re very interesting as an interviewee, making sure you’ve done your research on us.”
Charlie, 63, added: “You’re pointing your fingers a lot, to be honest.”
The Spice Girl nervously laughed and said: “Is that rude? I’m so sorry.”
Naga asked her, “Do you not like being interviewed?” to which Geri replied, “I like communication”.
Tensions appeared to begin when Naga first asked: “Seven books — did you think you had that in you when you were a Spice Girl?”
Later, she asked: “I read that one of your ambitions is to go to Oxford University to study English and history — do you think that you’d be able to study well?”
The BBC declined to comment.
The apologies emerged as Mr Frediani is on leave while an external consultant from PwC investigates conduct.
Last week, The Sun revealed Naga had been reprimanded over two incidents — including allegations she bullied a female staffer.
Naga has been reprimanded over two incidents — including allegations she bullied a female staffer[/caption]
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