BBC host Andrew Castle agreed to pay and publicly apologize for saying earlier this month that a tennis athlete, David Lloyd, had “personal problems,” the Guardian reported.
While iMediaEthics couldn’t find a full, direct quote of exactly what Castle had said to prompt the apology and payout, news reports say that Castle indicated Lloyd wouldn’t be able to be a candidate for the Lawn Tennis Association’s CEO spot because of alleged personal “issues.”
But, Castle admitted in a statement this past month that “his comments were without foundation” and “without substance.” The BBC also published an apology on its website June 20.
According to the Guardian, Castle is paying Lloyd damages and legal costs, but it’s unclear if Castle was paying out of pocket or if the BBC would pay.
“The BBC refused to say whether Castle personally paid damages to Lloyd or whether the bill was footed by licence fee payers,” the Guardian reported.