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BBC accused of ‘enabling’ Russell Brand – ‘incredibly tolerant’
Developed over time first seen 1 day ago
Russell Brand was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict has renewed scrutiny of how the BBC and other broadcasters handled allegations and his conduct while he was a high-profile performer.
Veteran broadcaster Liz Kershaw called for people who enabled Brand, including media executives and promoters, to be held accountable. The BBC apologised for its past failings and said there is no place for the abuse of power. Brand, 51, was remanded in custody after the judge said a lengthy custodial sentence was expected; the jury acquitted him of other charges, and prosecutors are reviewing two further rape allegations.
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In short
- Brand was convicted of rape and three sexual assaults.
- The verdict renewed questions about broadcasters’ past handling of him.
- Prosecutors are reviewing two further rape allegations.
How this story developed
- 15 hours ago The latest coverage sharpens scrutiny of the BBC and other broadcasters after Russell Brand was convicted, with veteran presenter Liz Kershaw calling for those who enabled his behaviour to be held accountable.
- 22 hours ago Russell Brand was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict has renewed scrutiny of how the BBC and other broadcasters handled allegations and his conduct while he was a high-profile performer.
- 22 hours ago New coverage has sharpened scrutiny of the BBC and other broadcasters following Russell Brand’s conviction, with veteran presenter Liz Kershaw calling for people who enabled his behaviour to be held accountable.
- 1 day ago Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a three-week trial, prompting criticism of the BBC’s past treatment of him and calls for people who enabled his behaviour to be held accountable.
- GB News BBC faces questions over ‘enabling’ Russell Brand as TV producer forced to step down
- Daily Mail BBC comes under fire for 'passing the buck' on Russell Brand: Comedian boasted his boss was 'incredibly tolerant' of his sexual behaviour – as he joked about raping and killing woman and having sex with children
- Daily Express BBC accused of ‘enabling’ Russell Brand – ‘incredibly tolerant’
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The BBC’s past willingness to give Brand prominent platforms, despite concerns about his conduct, may have helped normalise his behaviour or discouraged scrutiny. An apology and calls for accountability reflect the view that broadcasters have a duty to take allegations seriously, protect those who raise concerns and examine whether their practices enabled harm.
The case against
It is important to distinguish what was known at the time from what became clear through later reporting and the trial; criticism should be based on evidence of what BBC staff knew and how they responded. Broadcasters also need fair procedures that assess allegations carefully, respect due process and avoid treating association with a prominent figure as proof of complicity.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian and actor who became a prominent television and radio presenter. The BBC gave him high-profile work, including radio programmes, before allegations about his conduct became public.
Broadcasters have a responsibility to respond to concerns about people they employ or feature. The scrutiny now includes what the BBC and other broadcasters knew, how they handled concerns, and whether their past decisions allowed harmful behaviour to continue.
Coverage · 3 sources
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From 3 rated sources.
- Daily ExpressRightBBC accused of ‘enabling’ Russell Brand – ‘incredibly tolerant’
- GB NewsRightBBC faces questions over ‘enabling’ Russell Brand as TV producer forced to step down
- Daily MailRightBBC comes under fire for 'passing the buck' on Russell Brand: Comedian boasted his boss was 'incredibly tolerant' of his sexual behaviour – as he joked about raping and killing woman and having sex with children