An investigation by Banijay UK has found that informal concerns about Russell Brand’s conduct while hosting Big Brother spin-off programmes were “not properly escalated or adequately addressed.” The actor and comedian fronted shows such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother’s Celebrity Hijack on Channel 4 from 2004 to 2008. During this time, allegations arose that he had requested phone numbers from audience members and made female crew members feel uncomfortable or intimidated.
Although production managers were alerted to these concerns, no formal complaints were lodged, and the matter was not escalated, according to the report. Banijay UK apologised to anyone affected by Brand’s behaviour and acknowledged mistakes in dealing with the situation. The company purchased Big Brother’s production company Endemol Shine in 2020 and is one of several broadcasters investigating complaints about the star’s conduct during his tenure.
Lewis Silkin LLP conducted the investigation at the request of Banijay, and its head of investigations, Karen Baxter, concluded that no official complaints were filed. However, senior members of staff were reportedly made aware of informal objections about Brand’s behaviour. These concerns were not adequately addressed or escalated, according to the investigation’s summary. Producers knew that the comedian was a “recovering drug addict with a reputation for being edgy” but did not take adequate precautions to protect staff or audience members.
The investigation noted that Brand had sexual relationships with some staff members and audience members, which were believed to be consensual. Banijay’s report underscores the importance of adhering to industry protocols, including duty of care and expectations of behaviour. It acknowledges that these standards have improved substantially in recent times and are continuously being updated. Channel 4, which hosted the programmes Brand presented, issued a statement thanking Banijay for its investigation and taking note of its conclusions.
In March, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon apologised to a former employee for failing to investigate a “serious” complaint about Brand made in 2009. Last September, the comedian was accused of rape, assault, and emotional abuse by the Times and Sunday Times newspapers as well as Channel 4’s Dispatches programme. He denied the allegations, stating that all his relationships have “always” been consensual. A former producer for TV recalled that Brand’s sexual advances towards audience members and staff were mentioned to production managers, but no action was taken
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