Russell Brand faces two new complaints in BBC investigation

Russell Brand, who was previously accused of sexual misconduct, now faces two new allegations, according to an internal investigation at the BBC. The investigation has not yet concluded, but Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, offered an update on their findings. The review of Brand’s conduct covers a period between 2006 to 2008 when the comedian was hosting radio shows for the network.

Some of the complaints being investigated now seem to be the same allegations from when the news broke back in September. In regards to the allegation that Brand had ordered a car for a teenage girl to be dropped off at his house, Johnston said “the BBC’s records of car bookings are no longer available” years later and so “have not been able to identify the precise details of this or any records or details of specific journeys or bookings made for Russell Brand” (per the BBC).

He further revealed that two new complainants have come forward since the investigation began, though no details of any new accusations have been released. As the investigation is ongoing, Johnston declined to share any conclusions and encouraged anyone with information to continue coming forward; per the outlet, he expressed hope to provide a more substantial update in the new year.

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star is currently also being investigated by the U.K.’s Channel 4, as well as the Metropolitan Police and the Thames Valley Police. He is further the subject of a civil suit regarding an accusation of assault on the set of the film Arthur. Brand has denied the allegations against him, claiming that all of his encounters were consensual.

You can read Johnston’s full statement (via Variety) below:

“Following recent media reporting, we have undertaken significant work to identify what complaints or allegations were made to the BBC about Russell Brand’s conduct. The passage of time means this is not a straightforward task—for example, the BBC did not maintain a centralized record of staff complaints regarding bullying and harassment (including sexual harassment) at the time.

“We have established that some complaints and concerns were raised. It would not be appropriate for me to reach any conclusions until I am satisfied all lines of enquiry have been exhausted. In particular, we are concerned to ensure that anyone who has relevant information has the opportunity to speak to us. Therefore I am now sharing my terms of reference and updating on progress to date, I am also encouraging anyone who has information which may be relevant to the terms of reference of this review to come forward and contact us confidentially via [email protected].

“I am treating all of these allegations seriously. Our investigations so far indicate a total of five complaints directly to the BBC: two individuals raised complaints and concerns during 2006-8 and raised these issues again after Russell Brand left the BBC. A separate complaint was made by another individual after Russell Brand had left the BBC in relation to the 2008 allegation in LA. Two further complainants have come forward since the review began. Some others have also come forward to share their observations and to raise general concerns about that period. It is also clear from audience feedback that there was a wider concern about the tone and content of some of Russell Brand’s shows.

“I want to emphasize the importance of understanding how complaints were addressed at the time and whether the BBC’s actions were appropriate. Although my work is in no way complete and therefore I cannot yet reach any conclusions, it would appear that no disciplinary action was taken against Russell Brand during his engagement with the BBC in 2006-8 prior to his departure from the BBC.”