Television execs have launched a probe into Russell Brand following claims he raped and sexually abused women.
Since the allegations came to light the BBC and a production firm for Channel 4 are looking into his alleged behaviour and whether chiefs were aware of what was going on behind the scenes.
A source said the reviews will aim to see “if a blind eye was turned” to any of the allegations that have been made.
READ MORE: Russell Brand says he ‘absolutely cannot’ speak about rape allegation at live show
The news comes after The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 show Dispatches revealed claims from women who claimed he raped, sexually assaulted and emotionally abused them in the mid-2000s, which the presenter denies.
(Image: Getty Images)
A source told The Mirror: “The reviews will look at what concerns were raised at the time, and crucially if they were acted on. There is more than a whiff of panic among certain quarters about what the probe could uncover, and if a blind eye was turned to aspects of Russell Brand’s behaviour.”
In addition to this, the police have also said they are aware of the allegations.
The BBC, along with production firm Banijay UK, on behalf of Channel 4, are now questioning the claims against the stand-up comedian.
Russell, 48, has also been accused of pursuing audience members for sex while presenting Big Brother spin-off shows EFourum and Big Brother’s Big Mouth which previously aired on Channel 4.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
According to reports, a researcher claimed concerns about Brand were reported to managers at production company Endemol, the company commissioned by Channel 4 to produce the shows in 2004 and 2005, however they were dismissed.
Banijay UK, who bought Endemol in 2020, release a statement which said: “In light of the very serious allegations raised relating to the alleged serious misconduct of Russell Brand while presenting shows produced by Endemol, Banijay UK has launched an urgent internal investigation and will cooperate with requests for information from broadcast partners and external agencies.
“We encourage anybody who feels they were affected by Brand’s behaviour while on these productions to contact us in confidence.”
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
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Meanwhile Channel 4 also said it is determined to understand the “full nature” of the claims, stating that since the alleged incidents there has been “extensive change” and the channel now has a ”zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour”.
The BBC said: “The documentary contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years. Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised.”
Russell Brand has vehemently denied all allegations, branding them “aggressive attacks”
Daily Star has contacted Channel 4 and the BBC for comment.
Broadcaster Channel 4 said: “Channel 4 is appalled to learn of these deeply troubling allegations including behaviour alleged to have taken place on programmes made for Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007.
“We are determined to understand the full nature of what went on. We have carried out extensive document searches and have found no evidence to suggest the alleged incidents were brought to the attention of Channel 4.
“We will continue to review this in light of any further information we receive, including the accounts of those affected individuals.”
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Channel 4 also said they have asked the production companies who have worked with them to “investigate” the allegations.
They continued: “We have asked the production company who produced the programmes for Channel 4 to investigate these allegations and report their findings properly and satisfactorily to us.
“Channel 4 is also conducting its own internal investigation, and we would encourage anyone who is aware of such behaviour to contact us directly.
“In the many years since the alleged incidents took place, there has obviously been extensive change in Channel 4’s management and commissioning teams.
(Image: Channel 4)
“Today, Channel 4 has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and has a robust Code of Conduct.
“We require all suppliers to have in place rigorous safeguarding policies and provide whistleblowing support, including Channel 4’s Speak Up facility.
“We will be writing to all our current suppliers reminding them of their responsibilities under our Code of Conduct, as we are committed to ensuring our industry has safe, inclusive and professional working environments.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
