The BBC, Channel Four & a production company have confirmed that they will investigate allegations of rape and sexual abuse made against comedian and actor Russell Brand.
Over the weekend, four women made allegations of rape and sexual assault against Russell Brand, from his time as a presenter on Channel Four and the BBC, between 2006 and 2013.
This story was broken by a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, along with Channel Four’s Dispatches, accusing Brand of predatory and abusive behaviour.
The Sunday Times have also added that they were contacted by “several women” relating to Brand’s conduct, and that any allegations “will now be rigorously checked”.
“urgently investigated”
Releasing separate statements, the BBC and Channel Four have said that any allegations made against Russell Brand will be “urgently investigated”.
A spokesperson for the BBC stated that they will be “urgently looking into the issues raised”, concerning Brand’s time as a presenter on the radio show from 2006 to 2008.
Channel Four also added that they will conduct “its own internal investigation”.
They said, “We will be writing to all our current suppliers reminding them of their responsibilities under our Code of Conduct, as we are committed to ensuring our industry has safe, inclusive and professional working environments”.
While working for Channel Four as a presenter of Big Brother spin-off shows EFourum and Big Brother’s Big Mouth, Russell Brand was also accused of pursuing audience members for sex.
It was also claimed that concerns were previously raised about Brand’s conduct while on the show. These concerns were raised with Endemol, who also produced the Channel Four programmes in 2004 and 2005.
However, these claims were dismissed.
Banijay TV purchased Endemol in 2020. They have said that they will also carry out their own “urgent internal investigation”.
Channel Four and the BBC are to also speak with the Met Police to ensure people “are aware of how they may report any criminal allegations to police”.
LA Police Department have said that no investigation is underway at the time of writing. No arrests have been made.
Russell Brand has also strongly denied these allegations, insisting that all of his relationships have been consensual.
