BBC provides update on Russell Brand investigation
The BBC have revealed they have now received five complaints about the alleged behaviour of Russell Brand while he worked for the broadcaster.
Brand previously hosted shows for Radio 6 and BBC Radio 2 from 2006 until 2008. However, he left the BBC after broadcasting a series of voicemails on the phone of actor Andrew Sachs and boasted about sleeping with his granddaughter.
In a new update, the BBC has revealed they received two allegations while he was employed by the broadcaster and stated these were later brought up again following his departure. Additionally, a third allegation was made in 2019, relating to an alleged incident which is claimed to have occurred at the BBC’s premises in Los Angeles in 2008.
Now, Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints, has revealed two further individuals have contacted them since starting their review. The broadcaster’s investigation was launched following a joint report by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 alleging that Brand committed sexual misconduct.
In a new statement, Johnson said: “Following recent media reporting, we have undertaken significant work to identify what complaints or allegations were made to the BBC about Russell Brand’s conduct. The passage of time means this is not a straightforward task – for example, the BBC did not maintain a centralised record of staff complaints regarding bullying and harassment (including sexual harassment) at the time.”
“We have established that some complaints and concerns were raised. It would not be appropriate for me to reach any conclusions until I am satisfied all lines of enquiry have been exhausted,” he continued.
Earlier this month, the first legal case was made against Brand in the New York State Supreme Court. The unnamed Jane Doe claims that the alleged incident took place while they were filming the rom-com Arthur in July 2010. Civil lawsuit papers have revealed that she has alleged that Brand exposed himself before following her into a bathroom and assaulting her therein.
Brand denies all of the allegations made against him and claims all of his relationships have been consensual.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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