I wanted to say sorry to girls I texted but BBC blocked me, says Jermaine Jenas after ‘huge error of judgement’
JERMAINE Jenas has revealed that BBC bosses blocked his attempts to apologise to the two female colleagues at the centre of his sex text shame.
The sacked Match of the Day and One Show host said: “I wasn’t allowed to contact the women at all.”
Now, in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, the shaken former Premier League and England footballer has blasted the BBC over the way it dealt with his sacking.
Tearful Jenas, 41, said: “The handling of the situation wasn’t great. It was quick — and hell.
“I don’t think there was a game plan for when they were going to announce they’d fired me.
“I think different departments were being told different things. I think it’s shocking.”
On his hopes to speak to the two women colleagues, he added: “When it was all unfolding and I knew I was losing my job, I asked HR if I could contact the two women directly and apologise to both of them.
“But because of the legal process, I wasn’t allowed.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to say sorry to them at that particular point when I really wanted to apologise.
“I really want to apologise from the bottom of my heart in terms of what I’ve put them through.”
Addressing the women directly, he said: “I’m genuinely sorry for what I’ve done to you.
“I always thought it was consensual and a two-way thing.”
The Sun broke the news on Thursday that the presenter had been fired from BBC’s Match of the Day and The One Show after complaints he had sent inappropriate messages to two women.
He told us less than 24 hours after the revelations: “I did nothing illegal.
“These were inappropriate messages between two consenting adults. I am ashamed and I am deeply sorry.”
Jenas was sacked in an online meeting with HR and senior executives on Monday — five days after the initial consultation process and two days after he worked on the Saturday.
He has slammed the dismissal process, which happened over a Zoom call while he was on holiday in Spain with wife Ellie and their three kids.
I think everyone has seen what’s been going on at the BBC recently with Huw Edwards and Strictly.
I just don’t think I should be the one to be the fall guy
Jermaine Jenas
Speaking last night, shamed Jenas said: “I left within two days. I did Saturday and by the Monday I was fired.
“Although an internal email went out to all BBC staff after the story broke, I actually think the Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, did it before.
“I think the sports department was told something totally different to what everybody else was told — for example, the entertainment department, which includes The One Show.
“From a process point of view from the BBC, it’s shocking.”
The former Spurs star said he does not want to be made a scapegoat for the corporation’s failings over disgraced news presenter Huw Edwards and the inquiry into bullying claims against Strictly pro dancer Giovanni Pernice.
The BBC has recently reformed workplace culture guidelines in the wake of Edwards continuing to be paid after being arrested on child abuse images charges in November.
Regulations have also been brought in to ensure no more abuses of power occur following the sacking of Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima for allegedly kicking his celeb dance partner Zara McDermott in rehearsals.
Dad-of-four Jenas defiantly said: “I think everyone has seen what’s been going on at the BBC recently with Huw Edwards and Strictly.
“I just don’t think I should be the one to be the fall guy. I think it sums up where they are at right now.
“I think they clearly don’t know what to do, by the looks of it, because, like I said, how the situation was handled didn’t feel great.”
Jenas has hired a big-hitting law firm and last night sources confirmed they have already sent a legal letter to the BBC and will be pursuing his claim actively.
He is considering suing the broadcaster over its handling of his axing – especially around confidential information being leaked relating to him and the two women and the timing of when bosses broke the news to staff.
Jenas, who says his anxiety has rocketed, is concerned senior staff in different departments within the BBC — including sport and entertainment — appeared to be openly discussing his dismissal when it should have been kept confidential.
He said: “That is something that my lawyers are going to be looking at, and that they themselves — the BBC — need to look into as well for everybody’s protection going forwards.
“But my head is frazzled. I am focused purely on my family and keeping my kids protected, and so it’s in the hands of my lawyers.”
Jenas, who currently remains employed by TNT Sports, received support from fans last night.
One said on X: “Being fired for cheating is just crazy.”
Another wrote: “I’m assuming Jermaine Jenas didn’t text himself back… so why has he been sacked, takes two to tango.”
Fellow Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is yet to speak out about the scandal and is understood to have been asked not to contact Jenas while legal matters are ongoing.