Channel 4 apologises for not investigating “serious” complaint about Russell Brand

nme.com:

Channel 4‘s boss has apologised to a former employee for not properly investigating a “serious” allegation made against Russell Brand in 2009.However, the broadcaster found “no evidence” that Channel 4 staff knew about the allegations against Brand in a Dispatches programme before it aired.The 48-year-old comedian was accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse as part of the joint investigation with the Times and Sunday Times.

Brand has strongly denied all accusations, which relate to a period between 2006 and 2013.Channel 4’s chief executive, Alex Mahon, said in a statement (via The Guardian): “While the investigation did not find any evidence to suggest that any Channel 4 employees were aware of Russell Brand’s alleged behaviour contained in the programme, it did find that one former Channel 4 employee made a serious and concerning allegation about Russell Brand in 2009.“This was not escalated to Channel 4’s then senior management team, nor investigated as it should have been.

I have apologised on behalf of the organisation to the individual for this breakdown and for the distress this matter has caused.”Mahon continued: “I commend the journalists involved in reporting the allegations and the people who have bravely come forward.

Channel 4 has reported on itself without fear and investigated our own historical corporate responsibility thoroughly.“While there is always more to be done, I am confident about the changes that have taken place in our industry over recent years, and it should now be clear that inappropriate and offensive behaviour has no place in it.