Russell Brand in Plain Sight: Recap of fallout from Dispatches investigation as news unfolded
The fallout from Russell Brand: In Plain Sight, which outlined shocking allegations of rape and sexual abuse against the comedian, has seen the BBC, Channel 4 and Elon Musk all come under scrutiny
and live on Freeview channel 276
Follow the latest updates on the story here
Russell Brand allegations
Key Events
- Fallout continues from investigation into Russell Brand which labelled him a rapist and an abuser
- Brand denies all criminal allegations
- BBC and Channel 4 are under pressure to reveal what they knew about his alleged misdeeds
Taken off the list?
Brand has been removed from his PR firm MBC PR and talent agency Tavistock Wood's websites. He was represented by both firms but their websites do not list him as a client, the Mirror says. However, it's understood he is still be represented by MBC PR.
Times publishes the allegations of 'rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse' against Russell Brand
The story includes testimonies from four women - including one who was just 16.
The investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches is said to have taken several years, with reporters interviewing 'hundreds' of people.
More to follow. ..
The BBC issues a statement
A BBC spokesperson said: “Russell Brand worked for a number of different organisations, of which the BBC was one. As is well known, Russell Brand left the BBC after a serious editorial breach in 2008 – as did the then-controller of Radio 2.
“The circumstances of the breach were reviewed in detail at the time. We hope that demonstrates that the BBC takes issues seriously and is prepared to act.
“Indeed, the BBC has, over successive years, evolved its approach to how it manages talent and how it deals with complaints or issues raised.
“We have clear expectations around conduct at work, these are set out in employment contracts, the BBC Values, the BBC Code of Conduct and the Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.
“We will always listen to people if they come forward with any concerns, on any issue related to any individual working at the BBC, past or present.”
Brand has been dumped by his literary agent
More details, via the Press Association... The woman mentioned here was 16 when she first met Brand after he spoke to her in a London street.
PAThe woman described his behaviour towards her as “grooming” as he would allegedly provide her with scripts on how to deceive her parents into allowing her to visit him.
In 2020, the woman contacted Brand’s literary agent at the time, who was also the co-founder of Tavistock Wood.
A statement given to the PA news agency said: “Russell Brand categorically and vehemently denied the allegation made in 2020, but we now believe we were horribly misled by him. TW has terminated all professional ties to Brand.”
Channel 4has weighed in
A statement's been released tonight
Channel 4Channel 4 is appalled to learn of these deeply troubling allegations, including behaviour alleged to have taken place on programmes made for Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007.
We are determined to understand the full nature of what went on. We have carried out extensive document searches and have found no evidence to suggest the alleged incidents were brought to the attention of Channel 4. We will continue to review this in light of any further information we receive, including the accounts of those affected individuals.
We will be asking the production company who produced the programmes for Channel 4 to investigate these allegations and report their findings properly and satisfactorily to us.
In the many years since the alleged incidents took place, there has obviously been extensive change in Channel 4’s management and commissioning teams. Today, Channel 4 has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and has a robust Code of Conduct. We require all suppliers to have in place rigorous safeguarding policies and provide whistleblowing support, including Channel 4’s Speak Up facility.
We are committed to ensuring our industry has safe, inclusive and professional working environments.