BBC apologises as Russell Brand review finds people 'felt unable to raise' complaints

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A BBC inquiry into the behaviour of comedian Russell Brand during his employment with the corporation has uncovered a culture where individuals "felt unable to raise" issues regarding the presenter, fearing he "would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent".

Undertaken by Peter Johnston, BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, the review delved into Brand's conduct on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 from 2006 to 2008.Brand, 49, stands firm against accusations of rape, assault, and emotional abuse, maintaining that his sexual relationships have been "absolutely always consensual".

In September 2023, a collaborative exposé by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches brought light to allegations from four women who claimed Brand sexually assaulted them between 2006 and 2013.The extensive review, which concluded at a cost of £662,060, scrutinised incidents said to involve Brand urinating "into cups or bottles while in the studio, throwing objects, allegations of sex on the premises including with competition winners, and exposure while in the studio in front of staff and guests", alongside remarks made live on air.It also examined managerial oversights, including Brand's rapport with ex-Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas, who stepped down following a contentious prank call Brand made to actor Andrew Sachs of Fawlty Towers fame.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the revelations, inclusive of the workforce’s silence over concerns, as "horrendous".

She pressed the BBC to provide reassurances to its employees and the broader public that it handles such matters with utmost seriousness.Philippa Childs, head of the broadcasting union Bectu, labelled the report "deeply troubling" and criticised it