BBC apologizes after investigation into Russell Brand allegations reveals mismanagement
The BBC is apologizing to employees for their handling of sexual harassment and misconduct complaints against actor and former radio host Russell Brand during his time at the outlet.
The British news organization published the results of a review into Brand's conduct Thursday, revealing that power dynamics at play created a breeding ground for Brand's "unacceptable" behavior.
"This work has been conducted with the greatest care," the BBC said in a statement released alongside the report. "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."
Brand, who served as a presenter on BBC's 6 Music and Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008, fell under scrutiny in 2023 after a spate of women accused the actor of emotional and sexual abuse.
Brand has denied any wrongdoing.
In response, the BBC launched an investigation into several complaints − both formal and informal − made against Brand during his time with the broadcaster.
"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," the statement continued.
Peter Johnston, the BBC Director of Editorial Complaints and Reviews, revealed in a copy of the report obtained by Paste BN that he had interviewed 39 individuals and invited Brand himself to participate, though he declined.
Paste BN has reached out to reps for the actor regarding the results of the review.
BBC investigated eight complaints, some made after the review was announced. The accusations of wrongdoing included Brand exposing his genitals to a woman in a bathroom shortly before recording a segment for his radio show in which he joked about the encounter. The woman was not a BBC employee but worked in the same building as the company's Los Angeles bureau.
While the review noted that BBC management was unaware of the incident, it did acknowledge that others in the L.A. office knew of it and often “joked about” it which, Johnston wrote, "is unacceptable for something so serious."
Another claim, made by a woman who claims she had a three-month relationship with Brand when he was a presenter for Radio 6, alleges he used to have a car pick her up at school or her grandmother's house and bring her to his home. She was 16 at the time while Brand would have been in his 30s.
BBC's investigation concluded that while the cars were not likely management cars, they seemed to have been booked for him by production staff at the network.
Other allegations addressed in the review include reports of urinating into cups or bottles while in the studio, throwing objects, engaging in sex on the premises including with competition winners, and exposure while in the studio in front of staff and guests.
The investigation into these claims was handicapped in part by the many years that had passed since some of them. Nonetheless, they led to the discovery that while only one formal complaint was made and mishandled, there was a culture of fear at the organization around Brand making it less likely for more people to come forward.
"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," Johnston wrote.
"I find that there was an apparent power dynamic and hierarchy surrounding these shows, as the presenter was perceived to be too influential," he continued. "I find there should have been better systems in place to ensure that Russell Brand's unacceptable behaviour was promptly picked up and addressed and that all of those involved felt able to raise any concerns."
Brand is also the subject of an ongoing police investigation in the U.K. over several sexual offenses allegedly occurring between 2006 and 2013 at the height of this fame.
Always a controversial figure, reports of Brand's alleged rape and assaults pushed him permanently out of public grace. In the years since he has taken a religious turn, announcing plans last year to be baptized and using his social media to dip into conspiracy circles, spreading unfounded theories on topics ranging from 9/11 to the COVID vaccine.