Only two of the eight misbehaviour accusations that were taken into consideration, according to the BBC, were filed while the presenter was employed there.
Additionally, the broadcaster admitted it was “clear” certain presenters had previously abused their positions.
Only one of the eight complaints concerning Brand, according to Mr Johnston’s investigation, was formally submitted to the BBC.
He said: “I am grateful to those who have come forward to talk to me and my team and I have apologised on behalf of the BBC to those most directly affected by what I have documented here.
“The culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated, but I have found that a number of individuals had concerns about Russell Brand‘s behaviour which they felt unable to raise then.
He said: “I am grateful to those who have come forward to talk to me and my team and I have apologised on behalf of the BBC to those most directly affected by what I have documented here.
The BBC responded to the report and said: “The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally.”
What does the review into Russell Brand say?
In response to the report, the BBC said: “When allegations were raised about Russell Brand in 2023, relating to his work at the BBC, it was important that this was looked into methodically. This work has been conducted with the greatest care. We want to thank the individuals who have participated, as we know that it has not been easy to speak out about some of the issues the review addresses.
“The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally. It is of great concern that some of these individuals felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour at the time, and the BBC has apologised to them as part of this review.”
It added: “It is also clear that there were compliance inadequacies on some of Russell Brand’s Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today. Russell Brand left the BBC in 2008 following a high-profile editorial breach.
“As has been reported, there is an ongoing police investigation into Russell Brand. The BBC has been in contact with the Metropolitan police throughout the review and they have seen the report. The BBC acknowledges that Russell Brand categorically denies all public allegations made against him.”
Since Brand left the BBC in 2008, the corporation said it has taken a range of actions related to this, including:
- The introduction of a specialist case-management process to consider the most serious allegations and concerns raised, led and staffed by individuals with high-level expertise;
- An anti-bullying and -harassment policy which has been strengthened several times and a dedicated ‘Support at Work’ team to address bullying and harassment cases;
- Significant efforts to centralise and standardise the complaints processes. which include recent actions arising from the Non-Editorial Complaints Process Review published in February 2024;
- The biggest changes to the BBC compliance processes for many years, including for all pre-recorded non-news programming to be reviewed by a senior content maker and an obligation to submit a compliance form, both before broadcast; an enhanced referral process for editorial issues; and strengthened editorial guidance in respect of intimidation and humiliation.
