Topline The BBC is investigating claims Russell Brand exposed himself to a woman and then joked about it on air, raising new questions over the broadcaster’s handling of the comedian it employed at the height of his career in the wake of allegations of rape, sexual assault and abuse.
Russell Brand denies allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse.
Getty Images Key Facts The BBC said the incident allegedly happened in 2008 in Los Angeles and that this is the “first time that Brand has been accused of sexual misconduct and then heard discussing it.”
Brand is being accused by a woman who worked in the same building as the BBC’s office in the city—given the pseudonym “Olivia” to protect her identity—who claims she had gone to the bathroom to collect some medication where Brand told her he was going to have sex with her and then exposed himself.
Olivia said the bathroom door was closed during her encounter with Brand and that she felt trapped, adding that the comedian left when someone banged on the door to tell him he was wanted in the radio studio.
Minutes later, Brand was recorded laughing and talking about the alleged incident in the studio just minutes later, the BBC reported, and Brand’s Radio 2 co-presenter Matt Morgan said the comedian had just “showed his willy to a lady”.
The exchange was then broadcast in an episode of the Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2 days later, which Olivia said she tracked down after Brand was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse last weekend.
Olivia said she never formally complained about Brand but did speak to BBC staff about the incident over the years, though management took no formal action when informed by a staff member in 2019.
What To Watch For The BBC said it is conducting a review to investigate allegations of this nature and encouraged the woman in the story to speak to them if willing. “A key part of the review is to understand what complaints were made at the time, if there was knowledge of Russell Brand’s conduct while he worked on BBC radio, and what was done as a result,” a spokesperson told Sky. “We will of course speak to the bureau team and anyone who was working there in 2008 as part of this.” Morgan, Brand’s former cohost, told the BBC through his legal team that he “was not aware until now of the nature of this encounter.” He said he has previously expressed his regret at the show’s impact, adding that he would like to “reiterate my absolute condemnation of any form of mistreatment of women.“ Brand has not commented publicly on this allegation nor responded to requests for comment from news outlets.
News Peg Brand was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013 by four women as part of an investigation by major British news outlets last weekend. He strongly denies the allegations and preempted the investigation by posting a video to YouTube and other platforms last Friday in which he dismissed the claims against him as „a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks.“ He insists his relationships were “always consensual.” Since the investigation was published, London’s Metropolitan Police said they have received a report of alleged sexual assault against Brand dating back to 2003. Organizations and companies have swiftly moved to sever ties with Brand in the wake of the allegations and he has been blocked from making money on YouTube, lost a book deal with Pan Macmillan, been dropped by his management agency, ditched by charities and had dates for his “Bipolarisation” tour postponed. The backlash has prompted Brand, as well as allied commentators, to style himself as a victim of “cancel culture.”
Further Reading Russell Brand: Woman says star exposed himself to her then laughed about it on Radio 2 show (BBC)
YouTube Blocks Russell Brand From Making Money On His Channel After Sexual Assault Allegations (Forbes)
Russell Brand accused of rape, sexual assaults and abuse (The Times)
Rumble Slams British Lawmakers Over ‘Disturbing’ Demand To Demonetize Russell Brand After Sexual Assault Allegations (Forbes)
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