Culture secretary criticises ‘culture of silence’ in media industry in wake of Brand report
The BBC has apologised to staff who felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour during his time working for the broadcaster.
The corporation said eight complaints of misconduct had been considered – only two of which were made during the presenter’s time there.
It also acknowledged it was “clear” some presenters had been able to abuse their positions in the past.
Brand, 49, has strongly denied any allegations against him and previously said all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual”.
The apology came as the BBC released the findings of an internal review of its handling of complaints, which cost £662,000 and involved interviews with 39 individuals. This focused on the comedian’s work for 6 Music and Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008.
BBC director of editorial complaints and reviews Peter Johnston, who carried out the investigation, found there were many staff who felt “unable to raise” concerns and believed Brand “would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent”.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has released in a statement in response to the findings, saying: “The complaints against Russell Brand set out in this report are horrendous. As is the fact that staff felt unable to raise concerns because they did not think that they would be believed or taken seriously.
“I commend those who bravely came forward to share their appalling experiences. The BBC must now reflect on the conclusions and take action to reassure its staff and the wider public that it takes these issues seriously.”
She criticised a “culture of silence in the media industry” that has persisted for “far too long”, allowing such behaviour to be “tolerated or downplayed”.
“The BBC, and the wider industry, must now urgently consider what more they can do to make sure that abuse and harassment by anyone, no matter who they are, is not tolerated in any of their workplaces,” Ms Nandy added.