THE BBC has apologised to staff members after dropping a bombshell report into Russell Brand’s behaviour.
The Beeb published the findings of an investigation into his time as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.
The BBC published the findings of an investigation into Russell Brand’s time as a presenter[/caption]
The corporation apologised to staff members who felt unable to raise concerns[/caption]
The internal review looked at eight complaints between 2006 and 2008 with two made while he still worked for the BBC.
It found a number of people “felt unable to raise” concerns about the presenter and believed he “would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent”.
The corporation admitted an incident relating to him urinating into a cup during a Radio 2 show was “not dealt with effectively”.
In September 2023, a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches revealed four women had accused him of sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013.
Brand denies any wrongdoing and said all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual”.
In response to the report, the BBC said: “When allegations were raised about Russell Brand in 2023, relating to his work at the BBC, it was important that this was looked into methodically.
“This work has been conducted with the greatest care.
“We want to thank the individuals who have participated, as we know that it has not been easy to speak out about some of the issues the review addresses.
“The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally.
“It is of great concern that some of these individuals felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour at the time, and the BBC has apologised to them as part of this review.
“It is also clear that there were compliance inadequacies on some of Russell Brand’s Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today.
“Russell Brand left the BBC in 2008 following a high-profile editorial breach.
“As has been reported, there is an ongoing police investigation into Russell Brand.
“The BBC has been in contact with the Metropolitan police throughout the review and they have seen the report.
“The BBC acknowledges that Russell Brand categorically denies all public allegations made against him.”
Brand has strongly denied all allegations, which date from the height of his fame between 2006 and 2016.
Four women accused comedian and Hollywood star Brand of sexual offences including rape.
Brand’s YouTube account was suspended when the allegations emerged.
