Note: The following article contains discussion of allegations of rape, sexual assault and abusive behaviour.
The BBC has published an update on its investigation into Russell Brand’s conduct while he worked for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008.
The broadcaster announced a review into Brand’s behaviour in September, after allegations of rape, sexual assault and abuse arose in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.
The alleged incidents took place between 2006 and 2013. Brand has denied all allegations against him.
The BBC has confirmed that it received five complaints about the comedian, two of which have been made in the past two months.
The two new complaints are said to relate to Brand’s workplace conduct and are not of a serious sexual nature. The other three were made before he was publicly accused in September of rape and sexual assault.
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One of the complaints relates to a previously reported allegation of misconduct while on BBC premises in Los Angeles in 2008.
Brand’s behaviour while working for the broadcaster is currently being investigated by Peter Johnston, BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews.
Johnston is said to be looking into whether managers knew about the allegations while Brand was working for the BBC and if so what action was taken.
One of the allegations reported in Dispatches claimed Brand had teenage girls driven to his home in BBC cars.
In the review’s latest update, Johnston said: "Due to the passage of time, the BBC's records of car bookings are no longer available. This means that we have not been able to identify the precise details of this or any records or details of specific journeys or bookings made for Russell Brand."
The alleged assaults are not said to have taken place on BBC premises.
The BBC isn't alone in reviewing Brand’s past conduct as Channel 4 is also conducting its own internal investigation. There is no suggestion that any alleged assaults took place on the channel's premises.
The Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police are also investigating the comedian.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked "Your teeth are stunning!". LinkedIn
