Russell Brand probe finds ‘NO evidence’ Channel 4 managers knew about accusations against comedian
A PROBE into Russell Brand has found "no evidence" Channel 4 bosses knew about allegations.
The broadcaster was forced to investigate after two people came forward and raised "serious" concerns of the comedian's "behaviour involving sexual misconduct".
A report into the probe read: "Two of the people spoken to said they thought serious concerns about RB’s behaviour involving sexual misconduct had been in circulation within Commissioning in 2018."
It was said to have been around the time Brand was set to appear in a Celebrity Bake Off Stand Up To Cancer special recorded in October 2018 - but not broadcast until March 2019.
The probe continued: "And that these concerns led them to take the view that RB should not be engaged for shows for which they were responsible."
Channel 4 today said it found there was "no evidence" managers knew of the allegations against Brand, 48.
Sir Ian Cheshire, chair of Channel 4, said: "I would like to thank the investigating team for conducting a careful and far-reaching review and to thank those interviewed for their assistance.
"The board is satisfied that no Channel 4 employees were aware of the deeply disturbing alleged behaviour contained in Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches.
"However, we consider it clear that a serious allegation about Russell Brand was made in 2009 by a then-serving member of staff which was not properly investigated nor escalated to Channel 4's then-senior management.
"The board and ethics committee are confident that strengthened safeguarding processes introduced in the past decade mean that an allegation such as this would today be reportable through multiple routes.
"The investigation's recommendations, which are accepted in full, will further strengthen Channel 4's already rigorous safeguarding processes to further protect and uphold the welfare of all employees and those that the channel works with."
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