CPS considers bringing charges against Russell Brand after more women come forward
The Crown Prosecution Service will consider bringing charges against controversial British comedian and presenter, Russell Brand, after the Metropolitan Police handed over a file of evidence relating to a number of sexual offences.
In October 2023, Brand faced serious allegations of emotional abuse, sexual assault and rape. The allegations came to light during a collaborative investigation carried out by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches, sparking widespread media coverage and public scrutiny.
Following the publication of the investigation, more alleged victims stepped forward to share disturbing experiences with Brand, some dating back to 2006. During this time, Brand was as a radio host for prominent media organisations, including the BBC and Channel 4, raising concerns over the organisations’ complicity in the alleged misconduct.
You can read my previous blogs detailing the allegations made against Brand, and the associated implications on his previous employers here.
After launching an urgent inquiry into the issues raised by the investigation, the BBC revealed that between 2006 and 2008, they received three complaints regarding Brand’s behaviour on set. Two further complaints relating to Brand’s conduct during this time were raised following the publication of the investigation.
Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews launched a review into whether BBC managers were aware of any complaints made against Brand, and whether any subsequent action was taken.
Unfortunately, due to the historical nature of the allegations, the BBC was unable to recover some key evidence relating to the allegations. Concerningly, Johnston stated the BBC “did not maintain a centralised record of staff complaints regarding bullying and harassment”.
Other relevant records, such as car bookings, were also unavailable, meaning the BBC was unable to corroborate the claim Brand used the organisation’s chauffeur-driven car to transport alleged victims to and from his home. The lack of record-keeping is extremely disappointing, and does little to defend the BBC against claims it was ‘allowing’ for Brand’s misconduct to go unchecked.
Channel 4 has also conducted an internal review following Brand’s appearance in their productions. Disturbingly, Channel 4’s review found one “serious and concerning allegation” against Brand was not escalated to their senior management team, nor formally investigated.
The investigation found concerns regarding Brand’s behaviour had been raised informally with senior management after Brand had asked “runners to obtain phone numbers of audience members and female crew members”.
Following the investigation, Channel 4 has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its safeguarding processes to ensure no further complaints are missed.
Since the allegations came to light, a number of reports of sexual offences have been brought to the Metropolitan Police. Brand has reportedly been interviewed under caution on three occasions, and could potentially face charges pending an investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Abuse of any form should not be tolerated. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment or assault at work, we encourage you to reach out to Bolt Burdon Kemp for a free and confidential conversation with one of our experts.
