BBC Apologizes to Staff Over Handling of Complaints About Russell Brand
Image: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The BBC has issued an apology to staff members who felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand’s behavior during his time at the broadcasting company. This apology follows the findings of an internal review into the comedian’s conduct while working at BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008. The investigation, sparked by accusations made against Brand in 2023, highlighted eight complaints, two of which were made during his tenure at the BBC.
In 2008, Brand left the BBC following a high-profile incident involving prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs, an episode that sparked public outrage. At the time, the BBC’s hiring decision was seen as a way to attract younger audiences, despite the potential risks associated with Brand’s provocative style.
Among the complaints considered, one involved Brand urinating into a cup during a show. Though it was formally registered at the time, the BBC admitted that it was not dealt with effectively. Another complaint involved Brand allegedly exposing himself to a woman at the BBC’s Los Angeles office in 2008. The report noted that while this incident was well-known within the office, it was often dismissed as a joke.
The review also found that many staff members, particularly those in junior roles, felt they could not speak out about Brand's conduct. "What is clear is that many BBC staff and freelancers, especially in more junior roles, found Russell Brand demanding and difficult to work with and his behaviour extreme, but all felt that there was no point in complaining as they believed they would not be listened to and, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand as a high-profile presenter had the support of the station management,” the report stated.
Brand, 49, has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual.” The BBC's internal review, which cost £662,000, involved interviews with 39 individuals and examined incidents including Brand's behavior in the studio, such as throwing objects and claims of sexual encounters with competition winners.
The report acknowledged that the processes for raising concerns at the time were inadequate, with some staff members feeling their complaints would not be taken seriously. The review emphasized that "the culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated," pointing out the lack of clear procedures for raising complaints during Brand's tenure.
The BBC's findings come after a similar review conducted by Channel 4, where Brand also worked. This review also concluded that concerns about his behavior were not adequately addressed. In the wake of the investigations, both the BBC and Channel 4 have expressed regret for not properly handling the complaints raised during Brand's time at the networks.
As the ongoing police investigation into Brand's conduct continues, the BBC has maintained communication with the Metropolitan Police. A file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service in November 2024, though no charges have yet been brought.
The BBC’s apology and the revelations from the review underscore the challenges faced by staff in addressing inappropriate behavior from influential figures. Despite this, the broadcaster has pledged to improve its systems for handling complaints, ensuring that staff feel empowered to speak out in the future.
