An internal investigation conducted by Channel 4 has concluded that there is “no evidence” suggesting that its executives were aware of the allegations against comedian Russell Brand.
The investigation was initiated following complaints made to the BBC and Metropolitan Police after a Channel 4 Dispatches and Sunday Times investigation aired, revealing accusations by four women against Brand of rape, sexual assault, and abuse between 2006 and 2013.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Channel 4’s investigation found no indication that its management had prior knowledge of the claims against Brand during his tenure as a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings Of Comedy between 2004 and 2007. There was no evidence to support the allegation that Brand’s behavior had been discussed in a commissioning meeting in 2014.
Following the airing of the Dispatches documentary, two reports were submitted to Channel 4’s Speak Up facility. One of these reports, dating back to 2009 and involving a staff member’s complaint about Brand’s conduct, revealed “specific shortcomings” in Channel 4’s handling of the matter.
The investigation noted that this allegation was not escalated to senior management or investigated as required at the time. Furthermore, Channel 4 acknowledged delays in its communication with the former employee in 2023, attributed to the length of the investigation.
Despite these findings, one anonymous report with limited information was not substantiated. The investigation also examined the awareness of senior staff at Channel 4 regarding Brand’s behavior during his participation in The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer in 2018.
However, there was no written or corroborated evidence indicating awareness of serious allegations against Brand before the airing of the Dispatches special in December 2019.
The allegations against Brand, detailed in the Dispatches program, include claims of sexual assault, abuse, and predatory behavior. Brand vehemently denies these allegations, describing them as “very, very painful” and emphasizing the value of his family and friendships during the ordeal.
He acknowledges past behavior that he now considers foolish and expresses regret for his past promiscuity. Brand’s comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny and public attention surrounding the allegations against him.
While the investigation by Channel 4 found no evidence of prior knowledge within the organization, the controversy surrounding the allegations underscores the importance of thorough investigations and accountability in addressing allegations of misconduct.
