Broadcaster responds to complaints it has given too much air time to allegations

The BBC has been hit by complaints it has given too much coverage to allegations made against Russell Brand.

Other viewers and listeners have expressed concern that some details included in the broadcaster’s reporting have been too graphic.

However, in an official response, the BBC has said the allegations – which Brand has fiercely denied – raises ‘questions about the culture within the entertainment and media industry at the time’.

It comes as the Met Police revealed it was investigating several allegations linked to the story.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Victoria Prentis has warned the media - including social media users – not to publish any material that 'could prejudice any potential criminal investigation or prosecutions'.

In a highly unusual advisory notice she said: 'Publishing this material could amount to contempt of court. Editors, publishers, and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.'

The note added that: 'The Attorney General’s Office is monitoring the coverage of these allegations.'

Contempt of court only normally applies if legal proceedings are active –  if a summons has been issued or a defendant arrested, which is not the case here. However the Crown Prosecution Service notes: 'Common law contempt may be committed where proceedings are pending or imminent (albeit not necessarily active), and where there is actual intent to interfere with the administration of justice in those proceedings.'

The BBC full response reads: 

Our coverage of the serious allegations made against Russell Brand in the joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches, and those which have emerged since, has legitimately sought to examine all aspects of this story and the issues it has highlighted.  

This has raised questions about the culture within the entertainment and media industry at the time, and led to political interventions, including from Downing Street, the Chair of the DCMS select committee, and the Foreign Secretary.  We have made clear throughout our reporting that Russell Brand denies these allegations. 

We have been mindful to report with sensitivity with regards to the alleged victims, and others who this story may have particular resonance for, signposting the BBC Action Line website within our coverage.  

We realise some of the details related to this story are shocking, which is why we gave appropriate warnings ahead of graphic content. We have given careful consideration to our reporting; all information included has been because we considered it was relevant and necessary to help our audience gain a full and accurate understanding of the accusations made against Brand.

The allegations relate to a time when Brand was at the height of his fame as a comedian, television and radio personality and Hollywood star; when his views on politics were being sought out by several media outlets.   

Broadcasters and productions companies, including the BBC and Channel 4, are now carrying out their own investigations into Brand’s alleged conduct whilst working for them.  We have looked at the considerations this story has highlighted about power dynamics within production companies and the wider media.

This is a developing story with the Met Police having now received a report of alleged sexual assault by Russell Brand, and other allegations being made, which we will continue to follow.  We believe our coverage of this story has been proportionate, offering fair and sensitive analysis of the issues at hand. 

Published: 25 Sep 2023