Channel 4's investigation into the Russell Brand allegations found 'no evidence' that managers knew about the accusations made against him.
Earlier this year, he was interviewed by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and was asked about the allegations. Comedian Brand called them “very, very hurtful”. Last year, Brand found himself at the centre of numerous allegations of rape, assault and emotional abuse that are said to have taken place between 2006 and 2013. During this time, he presented on BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4 and starred in several Hollywood films.
Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times published the allegations in September 2022. Brand has already been questioned by the Metropolitan Police - with the force saying recently that inquiries were continuing - but the disgraced actor has consistently denied the claims. Channel 4’s CEO Alex Mahon said: “The investigating team, with external legal help, have conducted an extremely thorough investigation into the Dispatches allegations as they pertain to Channel 4.
"Doing this investigation properly in extensive detail was a very important principle for us." They went on to say that they didn't find any evidence employees knew of the accusations but found out one former employee made a 'serious and concerning allegation' against the comedian in 2009.
Brand has consistently denied the claims (Tucker Carlson/Youtube)"Whilst the investigation did not find any evidence to suggest that any Channel 4 employees were aware of Russell Brand’s alleged behaviour contained in the programme, it did find that one former Channel 4 employee made a serious and concerning allegation about Russell Brand in 2009," he added. "This was not escalated to Channel 4’s then senior management team, nor investigated as it should have been. I have apologised on behalf of the organisation to the individual for this breakdown and for the distress this matter has caused.
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“In my view, it is a matter of regret for our industry that repugnant behaviours were tolerated – and indeed appeared on-air – in the past. Production staff, employees and suppliers should never experience inappropriate behaviour. Channel 4 and I are committed to creating an environment where if any employee or person working on a Channel 4-commissioned show feels uncomfortable about behaviour towards them, then processes are in place for investigation and for appropriate action to be taken.
“I commend the journalists involved in reporting the allegations and the people who have bravely come forward. Channel 4 has reported on itself without fear and investigated our own historical corporate responsibility thoroughly. While there is always more to be done, I am confident about the changes that have taken place in our industry over recent years, and it should now be clear that inappropriate and offensive behaviour has no place in it. I hope these issues can ultimately lead to further positive change.”
* If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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