BBC Review Finds Russell Brand Accused of Sexual Misconduct and Inappropriate Behavior

A Deeper Look

The BBC has released a report detailing allegations of misconduct against Russell Brand during his time as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008. The report, conducted by the BBC's director of editorial complaints and reviews, Peter Johnston, found that Brand was viewed to have "great sway" at the station and that others working there felt he "would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent."

The review considered eight complaints of alleged misconduct about Brand, two of which were made while he was employed by the BBC, one formally and one informally. The allegations include accusations of rape, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse, with one woman alleging that she had an abusive relationship with the actor when he was in his 30s and she was 16 and still at school.

"Regrettably this incident was not taken seriously at this time."

Other misconduct allegations that were discovered during the course of the review included Brand having sex on BBC premises and exposing himself in the studio, with some of these rumoured incidents mentioned in his autobiography. One competition winner claimed she had consensual sex with Brand on BBC premises, while another had a sexual encounter in a disabled toilet, but later felt Brand had "abused his position and taken advantage of them."

The report also found that there was "an apparent power dynamic and hierarchy" surrounding the shows, and presenters, Brand in particular, were perceived to have a direct line to the then-controller. This, coupled with the lack of a robust system for raising concerns, contributed to a culture of silence and fear among staff.

The BBC has since introduced a range of measures to improve workplace culture, including a specialist case management process for serious allegations and a dedicated "support at work" team. Channel 4, where Brand also worked as a presenter, released its own internal review findings in March 2024, apologizing to a former employee after the probe found it had not investigated a "serious" complaint made against the star in 2009.

Brand has always denied the accusations and insisted all sexual relationships were consensual. He has been interviewed three times by police since September 2023 and last November, the Metropolitan Police sent the Crown Prosecution Service a file of evidence. A decision on charges has not yet been made.