It is understood the matter was escalated to senior figures in the BBC. BuzzFeed News has been told Lee was subsequently "forced to resign" after the apology was made because significant structural changes were to be made to his show as a result of the complaints.

It's unclear at exactly what level the decision was taken to impose these changes. A BBC spokesperson told BuzzFeed News: "I can confirm ... that in no way were the Director General / BBC Trust involved in any decisions about his future." On the issue of his resignation, they declined to comment further on "this matter or any other individual/contract matters".

A BBC management source told BuzzFeed News the decision was in part likely to have influenced by nervousness over the broadcaster's charter renewal.

The row has caused shock throughout the corporation. Lee, a Sony Award winner, was a popular broadcaster whose show had high listening figures. An online petition has been created to bring him back.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Iain Lee will no longer be presenting his shows on the station but we want to take this opportunity to thank him and wish him well for the future."

BuzzFeed News has contacted Lee's agent but had not received a reply at the time of publication.