The BBC has published a review into Russell Brand’s conduct during his time at the corporation, examining eight complaints and revealing failures in handling inappropriate behaviour between 2006 and 2008.
The investigation, which cost £662,060, found that some complaints were not properly dealt with, including an incident where Brand urinated in a Radio 2 studio.
The BBC has issued an apology to staff members who felt unable to raise concerns about Brand’s behaviour during his employment at Radio 2 and 6 Music.
The review was conducted by Peter Johnston, BBC Director of Editorial Complaints and Reviews, following allegations made against Brand in 2023.
The broadcaster has confirmed it has been in contact with the Metropolitan Police throughout the review process, with police having seen the report.
The review examined eight complaints about Brand’s misconduct during his time at the BBC, with only two being made while he was working for the corporation.
Russell Brand worked for the BBC from 2006-2008
PA
One formal complaint related to Brand urinating into a cup during a Radio 2 show, which the BBC report has now admitted “was not dealt with effectively”.
The investigation revealed there were “compliance inadequacies” on some of Brand’s Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today.
The BBC’s full response to the investigation read: “When allegations were raised about Russell Brand in 2023, relating to his work at the BBC, it was important that this was looked into methodically. This work has been conducted with the greatest care.
“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.
The BBC has apologised to staff members over its handling of Russell Brand complaints
GETTY
“The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally.
“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.
“It is also clear that there were compliance inadequacies on some of Russell Brands Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today. Russell Brand left the BBC in 2008 following a high-profile editorial breach.
“As has been reported, there is an ongoing police investigation into Russell Brand. The BBC has been in contact with the Metropolitan police throughout the review and they have seen the report.”
The broadcaster noted that Brand “categorically denies all public allegations made against him”.
The BBC acknowledged that presenters have previously been able to abuse their positions and outlined several changes implemented since Brand’s departure in 2008.
These include introducing a specialist case management process for serious allegations, led by high-level experts.
The broadcaster has strengthened its Anti-Bullying and Harassment policy multiple times and established a dedicated Support at Work team.
Significant efforts have been made to centralise complaints processes, following recommendations from a Non-Editorial Complaints Review published in February 2024.
The BBC has also made its “biggest changes to compliance processes for many years”, including new requirements for pre-recorded non-news programming to be reviewed by senior content makers.
The corporation said ongoing work to review BBC workplace culture by Change Associates “will be vital in informing any further steps”.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Russell Brand was pictured leaving a Wembley comedy show following allegations of sexual assault last year
PA
The review’s total cost of £662,060 primarily consisted of legal fees, which amounted to £597,300.
Additional costs included £60,840 for staff support during the review process.
A further £3,920 was spent on resources to support interviews conducted during the investigation.
This comes as police continue their investigation into allegations against Brand, following complaints made in 2023.
