The investigation into the allegations against Russell Brand, following a joint probe by Channel 4 Dispatches and The Times and The Sunday Times, has concluded with Channel 4 stating that there was “no evidence” of staff awareness regarding the accusations against the comedian and actor.
Brand, who vehemently denied all accusations, faced allegations of ra*pe, assault, and emotional abuse during the period of his fame between 2006 and 2013.
However, Channel 4’s report, released on Thursday, revealed no indication of the broadcaster’s knowledge of these allegations during Brand’s tenure as a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings Of Comedy between 2004 and 2007.
The report stated that there was no evidence to support the claim that discussions about Brand’s behavior occurred in a 2014 commissioning meeting.
In response to the Dispatches documentary aired in September, two reports were submitted to Channel 4’s Speak Up facility. One report dated 2009 detailed an allegation against Brand’s conduct towards a staff member.
However, the investigation found that this allegation was not appropriately escalated to senior management or investigated as required.
Channel 4 apologized to the former staff member involved, acknowledging this failure, expressing regret for the breakdown in communication and the distress caused.
Additionally, the report noted an anonymous report with limited information that was not substantiated. Investigating what senior broadcaster levels knew about Brand’s behavior, the report found no written or corroborated evidence indicating awareness of severe allegations before the Dispatches program was broadcast.
The investigation also addressed the Brand’s participation in The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer in 2018, finding no record of concerns raised within Channel 4 before or after its broadcast.
The investigation concluded that there was no evidence to support claims of prior knowledge or discussions regarding serious allegations against Russell Brand within Channel 4.
