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BBC apologises to staff who ‘felt unable to raise’ Russell Brand concerns

A number of people believed comedian ‘would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent’, review finds

The BBC has apologised after a review found a number of individuals had concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour during his time with the broadcaster which they felt unable to raise, believing the presenter “would always get his own way and therefore they stayed silent”. Though the review was based on events that took place more than 15 years ago, it “demonstrates that the issue of power hierarchies in creative teams and the role of presenters is something which the BBC should continue to closely monitor”, Johnston said. Philippa Childs, the head of the broadcasting union Bectu, said: “The BBC’s acknowledgement that Brand was perceived as too influential for staff to complain about and that some presenters had been able to abuse their positions, is deeply troubling.

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