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The BBC has provided an update on its investigation into the alleged conduct of Russell Brand, revealing that five complaints were made about the star, who presented radio shows for the UK broadcaster.
The BBC said the complaints refer to Brand’s workplace conduct between 2006 and 2008, when he was hosting BBC 6 Music and Radio 2 shows.
Two individuals raised concerns during his employment and then repeated their concerns after Brand had left the BBC, according to the update.
A separate complaint was made in 2019 by a third individual, who made allegations about the presenter’s conduct at BBC premises in Los Angeles in 2008.
The BBC said two further complainants have come forward since its review was launched. Peter Johnston, BBC director of editorial complaints, is overseeing the work.
The BBC launched its investigation after The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 reported allegations that Brand sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand vehemently denies the claims and has said all of his relationships were consensual.
The BBC said the complaints it is investigating are related to workplace behavior, suggesting they do not include allegations of serious sexual misconduct.
They include claims that Brand’s conduct in radio studios fell below acceptable standards, including an allegation that he urinated in a bottle in full view of colleagues during the recording of a show in 2007.
There was also a complaint about Brand’s alleged inappropriate use of BBC cars. The corporation said it no longer held records of specific journeys and no one had a memory of driving Brand, but its investigation continues.
The Times and Sunday Times reported in September that Brand sent a car to a 16-year-old’s school to take her out of lessons and to his home. Then aged 30, he was allegedly in a relationship with the teenager.
Johnston said: “Following recent media reporting, we have undertaken significant work to identify what complaints or allegations were made to the BBC about Russell Brand’s conduct.
“The passage of time means this is not a straightforward task – for example, the BBC did not maintain a centralised record of staff complaints regarding bullying and harassment (including sexual harassment) at the time.
“We have established that some complaints and concerns were raised. It would not be appropriate for me to reach any conclusions until I am satisfied all lines of enquiry have been exhausted.”
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