Russell Brand faces new claims in BBC investigation

The BBC released details of its review into the comedian’s behaviour at the radio broadcaster, revealing two more complaints have been lodged since the first bombshell allegations.

Two new complaints have been lodged against comedian Russell Brand since the BBC launched its investigation into bombshell sexual assault allegations.

It brings the total of complaints made about Brand’s behaviour at the British broadcaster to five, in addition to separate investigations being conducted by Channel 4 and production company, Banijay UK.

The latest details come after a series of women spoke out against the 48-year-old’s alleged actions dating back over a decade.

Two of the five complaints, which the BBC said were related to his workplace conduct and not of a serious sexual nature, were made in the past two months since the allegations were first made public.

Russell Brand leaves the Troubabour Wembley Park theatre in north-west London after performing a comedy set in the wake of sexual assault allegations. Picture: Getty Images

Brand, who has vehemently denied allegations that have come to light in the past months, did not respond to the results of the investigation by the BBC.

BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, Peter Johnston, is conducting a review of Brand’s time as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008.

The previous three complaints were made before he was accused in September of rape and sexual assaults during the height of his fame in a series of stories by the Sunday Times, Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

Mr Johnston said one of the main claims, that Brand had teenage girls transported by BBC cars, could not be substantiated “due to the passage of time” and car booking records no longer available.

“This means that we have not been able to identify the precise details of this or any records or details of specific journeys or bookings made for Russell Brand,” he said, adding the review was “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.”

“Although my work is in no way complete and therefore I cannot yet reach any conclusions, it would appear that no disciplinary action was taken against Russell Brand during his engagement with the BBC in 2006-2008 prior to his departure from the BBC.”

Russell Brand denies allegations of sexual assault. Picture: AFP

Brand remains under investigation by the UK’s Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police. Brand is also facing scrutiny in the United States, where he is alleged to have followed an Australian woman into a bathroom before exposing himself “as you would be serving someone food”.

“I’m gonna f*** you,” Brand said, according to the unidentified woman who come forward with allegations against the British comedian.

Minutes after the alleged flashing, Brand was recorded laughing on his BBC radio program that he “showed his willy to a lady”.

The Australian woman, called by the pseudonyms “Olivia” and “Rachel” in reporting by the BBC and 60 Minutes, claimed she was looking through a bathroom medicine cabinet when she turned around to find a man’s crotch allegedly in her face.

“I was startled and got up and I realised it was the man that I’d let in - Russell,” she said.

She told the news outlet that Brand said he thought she was “a bit of alright” and called her the wrong name, and when she corrected him she said he replied: “Well, I’m gonna f--k you.”

“And I said: ‘No, you’re not”.

That’s when Brand is alleged to have pulled out his penis, on his hand, “pretty much served it to me as you would be serving someone some food”.

“There was a bit of banter going on because I didn’t know what to do,” she said of feeling “trapped” in the bathroom.

Minutes later Brand recorded his radio program with Matt Morgan, which aired on June 21, 2008, which Olivia says she tracked down following an investigation into Brand by the Times and Channel 4.

Talking about Xena Warrior Princess, Lucy Lawless, Brand joked that she’s the type of woman he “won’t be able to drag her off into the cubicle, and show her my pubicles”.

“It’s been 25 minutes since he showed his willy to a lady,” co-host Morgan said.

Laughing in response, Brand said it was “very easy to judge”.

Morgan quipped about the “receptionist”, saying “receive this!”

“How am I supposed to ring that little bell, with my finger?” Brand added.

“He got told off for ringing a bell, minutes later he’s showing his willy,” Morgan continued.

While the woman did not make a formal complaint in 2008, BBC management was informed about the exchange 11 years later in 2019 by another BBC staffer who heard the story from Olivia/Rachel. No formal action was taken in response.

Johnston said the investigation would continue and that he hoped to outline outcomes from his research in early 2024.