BBC allows presenter accused of ‘rape’ and ‘homophobia’ comments back on air
A BBC presenter who was suspended following allegations of homophobic comments has been allowed back on air.
Andrew Thomas, who goes by the show name Tommo, is a major host on BBC Wales’ national radio station.
The presenters was also accused of making comments regarding rape, according to Golwg360.
The allegations are alleged to concern his presenting at the Mla’n Llangrannog festival on the weekend before last.
At least three different sources say Tommo made comments which included a reference to rape, according to Golwg360.
PinkNews was contacted by a witness to the event who claimed homophobic comments were also made.
The exact remarks have not been reported – as the BBC refused to reveal details of the allegations.
RELATED: BBC cuts LGBT lyrics from Lady Gaga performance
Now Tommo has been allowed back on air after a hiatus of just two weeks.
A BBC Wales spokesperson confirmed to PinkNews: “Following an internal investigation, Tommo has apologised unreservedly to the independent festival organisers for the comments he made when compering the event.
“The BBC takes complaints of this nature very seriously and has taken appropriate action following the investigation.”
Llinos Dafydd from Llandysul, who was raped age 14, said that she was disappointed that the BBC has allowed him to be on the air again.
Speaking to the BBC, she said: “Having a man on the radio makes [the comments] this – it’s not acceptable, in such a public where families and young people attend,” Llinos said.
“I do not feel that the naughty corner for two weeks is sufficient. We need to BBC Radio Wales and take action and consider this a very serious issue.
“I do not want to Tommo redundant, there’ve done a good job, there’ve worked hard to get where me and him. But I think ddylse it a public apology.”
They added: “If we let this man go it sends out the message that it is OK belittle those who are raped and made a joke of it.
“There is such a stigma involved with this subject it is not easy to take the step and then say ‘I was raped’.
“But with what Tommo go back to work so soon, it sends the message ‘I should not speak out and we should not talk about violence’. ”
It’s not claimed any comments were made while on air at BBC Wales, but instead at an outside event.
The BBC had suspended Tommo while an investigation is undertaken.
As well as his role with BBC Radio Cymru, Mr Thomas also works as a stadium announcer at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.
