Kaye Adams has been supported by her Loose Women co-stars after vehemently denying allegations of misconduct.
The broadcaster, 63, said she was “heartbroken” by “malicious stories” that have surfaced since she was axed from BBC Radio Scotland station after a “brutal” five-month investigation into three claims of misconduct.
Two allegations – of throwing a pen and berating an intern over their professional ability – were upheld, but she was cleared of swearing at a colleague.
The Loose Women star addressed the accusations in an Instagram post on Thursday (12 March), refuting claims that she used a misogynistic slur on an intern, following which a flurry of her co-presenters on the ITV panel show jumped to he defence.
Kaye hold your head high there are literally hundreds of people who know what a damn fine human being and professional you are,” Nadia Sawalha wrote.
Sawalha, who has been friends with Adams for 26 years, said she could “vouch for her”, adding that “enough was enough”.
Stacey Solomon hailed Adams “one of the kindest women in telly”, while Sunetra Sarka called her “a remarkable, professional and kind colleague who is as fair as they come”.
Sarker continued: “Never one to undermine or belittle, I am truly saddened that Kaye has had to face this difficult & unnecessary situation. She has my full support. I would pick Kaye to be in my team every time.”
Other stars to show their support for Adams included Katie Piper and Carol Vorderman.
Addressing the allegations against her, Adams said: ”I’m aware of malicious stories circulating about the reasons for my departure from BBC Scotland.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
“I’ve tried to keep a dignified silence but these attacks on my character are now so persistent, they can no longer go unchallenged.
“I categorically deny using a misogynistic slur 14 years ago and I’m horrified at its invention more than a decade later. It is absolutely not a word I would have used.
She continued: “As for ‘berating an intern’, this is simply untrue. Regarding the allegation that I threw a pencil while alone in an empty studio, words fail me.
“I am heartbroken that 15 years of hard work and dedication to BBC Scotland is being reduced to this.”
She sent her “heartfelt thanks to friends and colleagues – junior and senior – across the corporation who have sent their good wishes and support”.
The BBC has not commented on the reason for Adams’ departure, but the corporation confirmed earlier this month that Adams would not be returning to the role.
Earlier this month, Adams said she was trying to “process things” on her podcast How to Be 60.
“It’s difficult, isn’t it? You know what I mean. It’s been a brutal five months, there’s no doubt about it,” she said, adding that she wants to “try and get my life and mental health back on track”.
Adams has been replaced in her BBC role by Grant Stott and Connie McLaughlin. The BBC said it does not comment on any internal processes involving individuals.
Adams joined BBC Scotland in 2010. In October, the broadcaster said that her name had been “dragged through the mud” after she was taken off her programme.
Adams’s career began as a graduate trainee at Central Television, where she scored an interview with Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. She focused on political and news journalism in Scotland, following which she was hired as host of the discussion show Scottish Women from 1993 to 1999.
She left to present ITV show Loose Women, where she remained as the lead host until 2006. Over the last 20 years, Adams has also been a stand-in host on The Wright Show, This Morning and The One Show.
Additional reporting by Agencies
