The 48-year-old comedian has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and said his relationships were “always consensual”.
There is “no evidence” managers were aware of allegations against Russell Brand, a Channel 4 investigation has found.
It comes after four women alleged in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches that the comedian and presenter sexually assaulted them between 2006 and 2013.
A report, released by Channel 4 on Thursday, said the investigation “found no evidence to suggest that there was knowledge within the channel of the allegations contained in the Dispatches programme about Russell Brand’s behaviour” while he was a presenter on two programmes between 2004 and 2007.
However, the report did say said an allegation made in 2009 by a staff member which concerned the comedian’s conduct towards them was “not passed up Channel 4’s senior management chain” nor investigated at the time as it ought to have been.
“Channel 4 has apologised to the former Channel 4 staff member for the breakdown in 2009, communication delays in 2023 and the distress this matter has caused,” the report said.
Brand, 48, has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and said his relationships were “always consensual”.
A statement by Channel 4 chair, Sir Ian Cheshire, said: “The board is satisfied that no Channel 4 employees were aware of the deeply disturbing alleged behaviour contained in Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches. However, we consider it clear that a serious allegation about Russell Brand was made in 2009 by a then-serving member of staff which was not properly investigated nor escalated to Channel 4’s then-senior management.
“The board and ethics committee are confident that strengthened safeguarding processes introduced in the past decade mean that an allegation such as this would today be reportable through multiple routes.
“The investigation’s recommendations, which are accepted in full, will further strengthen Channel 4’s already rigorous safeguarding processes to further protect and uphold the welfare of all employees and those that the channel works with.”
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
