Russell Brand Allegedly Urinated In Bottles At BBC Studios; More Complaints Raised Amid Rape Investigation
Russell Brand has been accused of urinating in bottles in a BBC studio and other inappropriate conduct in the workplace amid the allegations of rape and sexual assault made against him.
The alleged studio incident is among the five complaints related to Brand's conduct during his time as a host for the BBC that are currently being investigated by the broadcaster.
This inquiry follows a year-long investigation by the Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4's "Dispatches" team, which accused Brand of "rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse" in September. Brand has since denied these allegations, calling them "astonishing, rather baroque, attacks" in a YouTube video that month.
After the results of the investigation were published, the BBC initiated a review of Brand's conduct during his tenure and sought information regarding complaints or allegations against him that were made to the broadcaster.
In a summary of the media company's investigation, Peter Johnston, the BBC's director of editorial complaints and reviews, mentioned the challenges in this process due to the lack of a "centralized record of staff complaints regarding bullying and harassment (including sexual harassment) at the time."
But Johnston said, "We have established that some complaints and concerns were raised."
Complaints against Brand include alleged urination in bottles in a BBC studio, alleged inappropriate use of BBC cars and further claims of conduct in and around the studio falling below the expected standards. The review also covers a 2008 allegation in Los Angeles.
Johnston emphasized the seriousness with which the BBC is treating these allegations.
As part of the investigation, Johnston shared that a total of five complaints were directly made to the BBC. Two individuals raised concerns between 2006 and 2008, and two more complainants have come forward since the review began. The BBC is also reviewing audience complaints and comments from 2006 to 2008.
Johnston noted that no disciplinary action was taken against Brand during his time with the BBC from 2006 to 2008.
In September, The Sunday Times reported that the British comedian was accused of sexual assault by four women between 2006 and 2013.
According to the report, one alleged incident took place when the alleged victim was 16 while Brand was in his 30s.
The woman, who was given the pseudonym Alice by The Sunday Times, said she wanted an apology but never received one. She told the outlet that Brand's lawyer denied her allegations in a "very aggressive" manner after reaching out.
Meanwhile, lawyers for Brand told The Sunday Times that they were "not in a position" to reply after being presented with the rape and sexual assault allegations against the actor.
The allegations have had significant repercussions for Brand, including the termination of his representation by his agent, Tavistock Wood.