BBC Apologizes to Staff Over Handling of Comedian Russell Brand Complaints

The BBC has issued an apology to staff members who felt unable to report concerns about the behavior of actor and comedian Russell Brand, following an internal review that found complaints were not handled appropriately due to his prominent status at the time, The Associated Press reports.

The investigation, led by the BBC’s director of editorial complaints, Peter Johnston, uncovered eight complaints regarding Brand, including allegations of sexual activity on BBC premises and indecent exposure in the studio. Notably, only one of these complaints was formally reported to management when the incidents occurred, according to the review.

“I am grateful to those who have come forward to talk to me and my team and I have apologized on behalf of the BBC to those most directly affected by what I have documented here,” Johnston said in a report.

He added, “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 behavior which they felt unable to raise then.’’

The BBC launched the internal investigation in the wake of public allegations from four women who accused Brand of sexual assault between 2006 and 2013, a period that coincided with his height of fame. During that time, Brand hosted two weekly radio shows on the BBC between 2006 and 2008 and was involved in several other short-term projects.

Brand, now 49, has faced criticism in recent years for his podcasts and YouTube videos which have been cited for spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories. He has denied all accusations of rape, assault, and emotional abuse, maintaining that his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual.”

Johnston said that he reached out to Brand to allow him to offer his perspective on the investigation, but Brand declined to participate.