More on John Sweeney

Those of you who have been following the John Sweeney story might be interested in a new development, courtesy of Buzzfeed.

NEW: Investigative journalist John Sweeney is claiming to be a “reluctant whistleblower” against the BBC. According to four sources, Sweeney left the BBC after a young journalist filed an official complaint over an incident at Emily Maitlis’ book launch.https://t.co/AusvFEtZPV

— Mark Di Stefano 🤙🏻 (@MarkDiStef) December 5, 2019

The report says:

BuzzFeed News can reveal Sweeney parted ways with the BBC after two incidents earlier this year. The first related to the botched BBC Panorama investigation into Tommy Robinson which saw him secretly filmed by the far-right activist while trying to cultivate a source. 

The second incident took place at the book launch of BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis in April. According to multiple sources, Sweeney made an offensive comment to a BBC journalist at the London launch of Maitlis’s memoir Airhead. 

One BBC source said the journalist was “deeply offended” by Sweeney’s remark and filed an HR complaint with management. 

It’s understood both incidents were considered by BBC management and played a part in his departure.