BBC pays RM2.2m to Jewish producer who alleged antisemitism, bullying

The headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) are pictured in London on March 11, 2023. — AFP pic

First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 9:08 AM MYT

LONDON, Oct 27 — The BBC has reportedly paid more than £400,000 (RM2.2 million) in compensation to a Jewish producer who alleged colleagues had victimised her and made antisemitic remarks.

The British broadcaster agreed to pay Lucie Kon, a former commissioning editor on its Storyville international documentary strand, after she launched unfair dismissal proceedings, the Daily Telegraph and Press Association news agency reported Monday.

Kon was an executive producer on this year’s Oscar-winning documentary “Mr Nobody Against Putin”.

The BBC did not confirm or deny the reports in a statement sent to AFP.

It said its internal processes “did not uphold any of Ms Kon’s allegations of antisemitism” and that it was “grateful that Ms Kon acknowledges that the BBC is not institutionally antisemitic”.

The BBC said however that its investigation had identified “shortcomings” and acknowledged the “personal impact” on Kon, describing her as a “valued member of staff”.

Kon, 57, claimed she was sidelined and eventually made redundant after making a formal complaint to the BBC about her treatment, The Daily Telegraph reported.

It quoted her as saying unnamed colleagues said Zionists such as her were “evil” after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and some called her too “partial” to oversee a documentary on the events.

“They tried to stop me doing my job because I’m a Jew,” Kon told the newspaper.

Kon was an executive producer on the Emmy-winning 2024 documentary “We Will Dance Again” about the Nova music festival attacked by Hamas militants. — AFP