BBC drops bombshell report into Russell Brand and apologises to staff
The BBC has released a bombshell report into Russell Brand, in which they admit to having issued apologies to members of staff.
The report came after allegations of misconduct were made against Brand, who in the past worked with the BBC on 6 Music and BBC Radio 2.
It particularly covers the years between 2006 and 2008 when he worked for the broadcaster.
One of its most disturbing findings if that staff felt 'unable to raise' concerns about Brand because they felt he 'would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent', according to BBC director of editorial complaints and reviews Peter Johnston, who carried out the review.
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Johnston added that while the allegations are historical, they demonstrate 'that the issue of power hierarchies in creative teams and the role of presenters is something which the BBC should continue to closely monitor'.
A joint investigation blew the whistle on allegations of abuse against Brand, with Channel 4's Dispatches Programme working alongside The Times and Sunday Times.
Brand was accused of sexual assault and abuse by four women.
Following the release of the documentary into allegations against him, Brand said in an interview with Tucker Carlson: "Of course, I deny any allegations of the kind that have been advanced, and what I have seen is the significance of family and the importance of beliefs that are transcendent of this."
The BBC said in response to the report: "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."
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Michael Slavin