The BBC has apologized to staff who felt unable to speak up about concerns regarding Russell Brand's behavior due to his perceived influence, resulting in their silence.
An internal review was published by the BBC regarding Brand's tenure as a presenter on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music from 2006 to 2008, prompted by eight complaints, including one about him urinating into a cup on air.
The review revealed that only one formal complaint was made about Brand's conduct, with many staff members hesitating to voice concerns as they believed he would not be challenged and had the support of station management.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed dismay at staff feeling unheard and called for action to address inappropriate behaviors like Brand's being tolerated.
The report also mentioned a consensual encounter between Brand and a competition winner on BBC premises, with the individual later feeling taken advantage of. It highlighted management failures in addressing Brand's conduct promptly.
Brand, denying all allegations, has been questioned by police multiple times since September 2023. Several complaints were detailed, including instances of inappropriate behavior on set and in Los Angeles, where a woman did not report an incident fearing disbelief.
The review deemed the complaint process inadequate, particularly in handling complaints years later and apologized to those affected, such as Olivia and Alice, whose claims were challenging to verify. The review, conducted at a cost of £662,062 by Peter Johnston, acknowledged the need for improved mechanisms for raising concerns within the BBC.