Complaints about Russell Brand received by the BBC: a total of five, says the broadcaster.

The BBC has received a total of five complaints about Russell Brand's behavior while he hosted radio shows between 2006 and 2008. Two of these complaints were made in the last two months since a review of his time at the BBC commenced. These two complaints are believed to be related to his workplace conduct and are not of a serious sexual nature. The remaining three complaints were made prior to the public accusations in September of rape and sexual assault, which Brand has denied. One of the complaints made in 2019 relates to a previously reported allegation of misconduct while on BBC premises in Los Angeles in 2008. The other two complaints were made during Brand's time as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. Peter Johnston, the BBC's director of editorial complaints and reviews, is leading the review into Brand's behavior at the time, whether managers were aware of any allegations, and what actions were taken. Earlier this year, Brand faced allegations of rape and sexual assault spanning from 2006 to 2013, as reported by the Sunday Times, Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches. Brand vehemently denied these allegations and stated that his relationships were always consensual. The investigation also included claims regarding his treatment of women and his workplace behavior during the same period. In September, the BBC announced that it was urgently addressing the issues raised by the allegations. One claim made was that Brand had teenage girls driven to his home in BBC cars. However, due to the passage of time, the records of car bookings are no longer available, hindering the investigation. Peter Johnston stated that investigations would continue despite this setback. Johnston acknowledged that the review of Brand's behavior was a complex task. He noted that the BBC did not maintain centralized records of staff complaints regarding bullying and harassment at the time. Johnston added that based on his current progress, it appeared that no disciplinary action was taken against Brand during his engagement with the BBC from 2006 to 2008. Aside from the complaints made against Brand, Johnston also highlighted concerns raised by the audience regarding the tone and content of some of Brand's shows. Although these concerns are beyond the review's scope, Johnston expressed a willingness to consider whether they should have raised alarm within the BBC. The Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police are currently investigating the allegations against Brand. Brand has vehemently denied these "very serious criminal allegations" and considers them to be "extremely egregious and aggressive attacks." Although the alleged assaults reportedly did not occur on BBC premises, they have prompted questions for both the broadcaster and the wider industry. Channel 4, where Brand also worked as a presenter, has launched its own internal investigation. There is no suggestion that any assaults took place on Channel 4's premises. Additionally, Banijay UK, another company, has commissioned its own investigation. Banijay acquired Endemol, the production company behind shows in which Brand appeared, in 2020. Brand has also been accused of sexually assaulting an extra on a film set in a civil lawsuit filed in the US. As of now, Brand has not responded to this legal action. Johnston encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward, and he hoped to provide substantial outcomes from his research in the New Year.