The BBC is currently investigating five complaints about Russell Brand during his tenure as a presenter. Two new complainants surfaced in the last two months, adding to the three made before Brand faced accusations of rape and sexual assault in September.
The recent complaints focus on Brand’s workplace conduct, excluding serious sexual nature. One earlier complaint relates to a 2008 incident on BBC premises in Los Angeles, and the other two were from 2006 to 2008 during his radio presenter role.
Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, is leading the review. It aims to scrutinize Brand’s behavior, assess managerial awareness of allegations, and determine actions taken, if any:
“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.”
Allegations against Russell Brand emerged earlier this year from investigations by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches. The BBC, Channel 4, and Banijay UK are conducting internal investigations, and the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police are also involved.
In a review summary, Johnston expressed concerns about the tone and content of Brand’s shows. He emphasized understanding how complaints were addressed and noted no apparent disciplinary action during Brand’s BBC engagement from 2006 to 2008.
The celebrity vehemently denies “grave criminal accusations” and “highly severe and forceful assaults,” categorically refuting them. Asserting that all his relationships were “consensual,” he challenges the seriousness of the claims.
