JERMAINE Jenas has broken his silence by insisting “there are two sides” after he was sacked by the BBC.
The presenter and former footballer, 41, was axed from both Match of the Day and The One Show following complaints of “inappropriate behaviour”.
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Jermaine was sacked by the BBCCredit: Peter Jordan
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Jenas was seen leaving the News building in London after his TalkSPORT program Credit: Peter Jordan
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He was a regular guest on The One Show and Match of the DayCredits: Peter Jordan
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Jenas was quietly removed from the BBC’s channels Credit: Getty
Jenas told The Sun through a spokesman this evening: “I can’t talk about it at the moment.
“I can tell you that I am not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I will speak to my lawyers about the matter.”
We previously revealed that Jenas was fired after a member of staff made allegations on The One Show.
She claimed to have received an unsolicited communication via SMS.
The BBC confirmed the investigation was launched following “allegations involving digital communications such as texts” received several weeks ago.
Others then came forward to complain about his alleged behavior in the workplace.
Jenas said he was “not happy” about being kicked out, having been paid between £190,000 and £194,999 by the Beeb last year alone – and is thought to be willing to fight to clear his name.
Comes as:
Former England and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas has been quietly removed from the broadcaster’s official channels.
The huge mural, which features the 41-year-old alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott, has now been removed from Media City’s Manchester headquarters.
Jenas – seen as Lineker’s natural successor for the MOTD – was covering this summer’s Euros and commentating on Spain’s semi-final win over France on 9 July.
The father-of-four last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on July 22 and appeared on the MOTD panel on May 4.
He was not in Saturday’s first episode of the new season.
Jermaine Jenas reveals he has been rehearsing for Gary Lineker’s MOTD job
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Jenas had previously been tipped to take over as host matchday Credit: brochure
Last night a source said: “This is an absolute nightmare for the BBC.
“Complaints have been made about Jermaine’s behaviour.
“After several immediate routine inquiries, the decision was made to remove him from the program and terminate his contract.
“The BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, has been heavily involved in this whole process and is adamant that his new house is in order and there are no skeletons.
“At the moment it appears he will not be returning to the BBC.”
Jenas – who has posted just three pictures on Instagram since May – in stark contrast to the 73 he posted over the past year – also parted ways with his long-time agents, MC Saatchi, amid the crisis.
The former Spurs midfielder is understood to have instructed lawyers as he battles to clear his name.
Sources close to Jermaine claim he is “not happy” with the BBC’s decision.
Jermaine Jenas’ full statement on his sacking to the BBC
Jermaine Jenas issued a statement to The Sun through a spokesperson saying: “I can’t talk about it at the moment.
“I can tell you that I am not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I will speak to my lawyers about the matter.”
The star still has The One Show and BBC Sport listed on her official Instagram and Twitter accounts.
He was last seen on air on Saturday commentating for TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich. And on August 2, he announced himself on Instagram after the peak of the Formula E season, for which he was the leading presenter. Nicki Shields.
It is not known whether his paymasters at TNT are aware of the current situation with the BBC.
News of Jermaine’s absence from the BBC – which pays him between £190,000 and £194,999 according to official figures released last year – will be a major blow to BBC executives.
This is the latest crisis to hit the national broadcaster, and comes amid another investigation into another national institution – Strictly Come Dancing.
The findings, reportedly two weeks late, have yet to be released.
Earlier this month, the BBC’s governing board released a statement announcing an independent review of the broadcaster’s workplace culture.
It said: “We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate behavior in the workplace, particularly in creative and editorial environments.
“While the challenges of power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for many employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards.
“The BBC has clearly articulated values and a strong Code of Conduct and great progress has been made in recent years.
“However, the Board will commission an independent review which will make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with the BBC’s values.”
A BBC spokesman said: “We can confirm that Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of the presenting line-up.”
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Jenas has built a stellar media career since retiring from footballCredit: PA
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Jenas with his wife Ellie Credit: Instagram
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