Channel 4 has taken down some episodes featuring Russell Brand due to allegations of rape, sexual assault, and abuse. In a recent special episode of Channel 4’s Dispatches, which aired on September 16th, five women shared their experiences with the comedian and actor after a joint investigation by the Channel 4 show and The Sunday Times. Four of these women claimed they experienced sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013, and Brand was also accused of being predatory, controlling, and abusive. It’s important to note that Russell Brand has vehemently denied these accusations.
After the program, a Channel 4 spokesperson, as reported by The Telegraph, stated, “We have removed all content featuring Russell Brand as we investigate the situation. This includes episodes of The Great British Bake Off and the Big Brother box sets in which he appeared.”
In a video he shared on social media the day before Dispatches aired, Russell Brand strongly denied the allegations, stating that all his relationships were consensual. He mentioned receiving two troubling letters, one from a TV company and one from a newspaper, which contained various accusations, some of which he found extreme and nonsensical. Brand clarified that these allegations were related to a period when he was highly visible in the mainstream media, appearing in newspapers and movies. During that time, he admitted to having many relationships but emphasized that they were always consensual. He also noted that he had been open about this in the past and remained transparent about it now. RadioTimes.com has reached out to Russell Brand’s representatives for additional comments.
This is happening pic.twitter.com/N8zIKLbJN2
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) September 15, 2023
In Saturday’s episode of Dispatches, a woman known as “Alice” alleged that she had a sexual relationship with Russell Brand when she was 16. She claimed Brand sexually assaulted her at his home and described his behavior as that of a groomer.
Channel 4 expressed deep concern about these allegations, especially those related to programs aired between 2004 and 2007. They are actively investigating the matter, including checking documents, and found no evidence that the incidents were reported to Channel 4 at the time. The production company responsible for those programs is also investigating, and Channel 4 is conducting its own internal inquiry. They encourage anyone with information on such behavior to contact them directly.
“In the years that have passed since the reported incidents occurred, Channel 4’s management and commissioning teams have undergone significant changes. Presently, Channel 4 maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards unacceptable behavior and has established a robust Code of Conduct. We require all our suppliers to have stringent safeguarding policies in place and offer support for whistleblowers, including access to Channel 4’s Speak Up facility.
We will be reaching out to all our current suppliers to remind them of their obligations under our Code of Conduct. Our commitment is to ensure that the industry provides safe, inclusive, and professional working environments.”
Tavistock Wood, Russell Brand’s former representation, conveyed in a statement to RadioTimes.com: “Russell Brand vehemently denies the allegation made in 2020; however, we now believe we were misled by him. Tavistock Wood has severed all professional ties with Brand.”
Source: Radio Times
