...so they didn't speak out against him, broadcaster's review finds

The BBC has apologised to staff who felt they could not raise concerns about Russell Brand's behaviour because he was seen as ‘too influential’.

It comes as the broadcaster publishes the results into a review into the former comedian’s time at the corporation.

In it, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints, Peter Johnston wrote: ‘The culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated, but I have found that a number of individuals had concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour which they felt unable to raise then. Many interviewees believed, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent.’

The review focused on the BBC’s handling of complaints about the Brand’s conduct when he worked there, in particular for 6 Music and Radio 2, between 2006 and 2008. 

The comic-turned-political commentator was the subject of an investigation by Channel 4’s Despatches and The Times newspapers in 2023, which made accusations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013. Brand denies all of them, saying his relationships were always consensual.

Johnston concluded his report by saying: ‘This review is clearly based on events which took place more than 15 years ago, but demonstrates that the issue of power hierarchies in creative teams and the role of presenters is something which the BBC should continue to closely monitor. 

‘I think there are lessons from this review – particularly about the influence of presenters’, which he said would be included in a wider review of the culture within the Corporation.

In response, 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. [When he and Jonathan Ross left crude messages on the answerphone of Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs]

‘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.’

The broadcaster also outlined a number of changes to its internal policies in the years since Brand left, conceding: ‘It is clear that presenters have been able to abuse their positions at the BBC in the past.’

Brand has been interviewed three times by police since the allegations surfaced. In November, Scotland Yard sent the Crown Prosecution Service a file of evidence, but they have not yet decided whether to bring charges.

He declined to engage with the BBC’s review, which interviewed a total of 72 people. 

Brand has this week been calling for Robert F Kennedy to be appointed head of the US Health Department, despite him espousing anti-vax views and being branded a ‘predator’ by his own cousin. 

Published: 30 Jan 2025