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2nd August 2023
01:29pm BST
BBC producers have reportedly been asked to explain themselves following the suspension of Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free.
Arielle clashed with co-star Charlie Hedges after appearing as a guest on her Dance Anthems show and questioning her taste in music.
The Sun reports that show producers have since been asked to appear at BBC's London HQ to answer questions, with an insider telling the publication the row had been "the talk of the office."
“You could hear it in Charlie’s voice that she didn’t think having Arielle on was a good idea," the insider said.
"Charlie is really annoyed and upset at Arielle, they’re colleagues and she expected more respect and support from her.
“Hate is a very strong word to use about something or someone.
“Producers have also been dragged in to explain themselves to the big boss because, at the end of the day, they’re the ones paid to make sure something like this doesn’t happen."
The Sun suggested "heads will roll" over the incident.
Arielle called into Hedges' show from Ibiza Rocks Hotel on Saturday and after the pair joked about her tired-sounding voice, Arielle made a dig at the music being played.
Charlie didn't like the remark at all.
"Can I be honest with you Charlie?… I expected better of you...," Arielle says.
"What? To sound like you?," Charlie asked, before Arielle hit a sour note with her colleague: "I don’t like this song."
Horsegiirl’s My Barn, My Rules was playing.
Arielle apologised but said she "hates" the tune.
Charlie seemed to have had enough of her guest at that point, saying: "Sorry, I’m taking your mic down, it’s my show, Arielle. Have some respect, please.
"See you later. Get out of here."
Arielle was then temporarily suspended and will miss her usual Monday to Wednesday two-hour slot this week.
According to Radio 1's official website, the 36-year-old DJ is due to host her her Radio 1 Relax show, during her usual slot on August 7.
Sian Eleri will cover for Arielle.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Whilst we would not comment on individual matters, we have strict codes of behaviour for staff and presenters, and any breaches are taken extremely seriously."
Listeners called the exchange "so cringe", but were divided over it.
One wrote on social media: "This is so cringe from Arielle, at the end of the day it’s a huge privilege being a R1 DJ why would you embarrass yourself and the station like that."
Arielle joined BBC Radio 1 in 2019.
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