Television executives reportedly considered removing all female staff from shows led by Russell Brand rather than the British comedian himself, for fear they would be “assaulted or harassed”.
The shocking allegation comes as four women accused Brand, 48, of raping and sexually abusing them during the height of his fame between 2006 and 2013, according to a joint investigation published Saturday by the Times of London and Channel 4 Dispatches. .
A woman who was identified in the explosive report as “Alice” claimed that Brand groomed and sexually abused her when she was 16 years old.
Alice, who later went on to work at Channel 4, recalled a work meeting where Brand was approached to host a TV show, but concerns were raised about his behaviour.
During the meeting in either late 2013 or early 2014, television executives suggested removing female staff from the show in place of the problematic comedian, the woman reportedly recalled.
Four women have accused the British actor and comedian of raping and sexually abusing them during the height of his career, between 2006 and 2013. GC Images
“The solution offered was that we would remove female staff from the team (women who have worked hard to get into this industry) who are now unable to work on specific programs for fear that they may be assaulted or harassed. I was in disbelief,” she said, according to the report.
When Alice met Brand in 2006, he was becoming a household name as the presenter of Channel 4’s “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” and as a BBC radio presenter.
The then 31-year-old man called the teenager “the girl” and assaulted her during their “emotionally abusive and controlling” three-month relationship, she said. The age of consent is 16 in the UK.
One of Brand’s accusers, who was 16 when they had a relationship, later worked at Channel 4 and said Brand’s behaviors were still alarming years later. AP
While Brand’s alleged sinister behavior was an “open secret” in the entertainment industry, UK broadcasters continued to give him opportunities, including Channel 4. In 2019, he appeared on a celebrity edition of “Bake Off” on the channel and baked cookies. inspired by the genitals of his wife, Laura Gallacher.
Days after the revelation was published, Brand took the stage at London’s Troubabour Wembley Park Theater on Saturday, the latest stop on his stand-up comedy tour.
“I have many things to talk to you about. Obviously there are some things I can’t talk about at all and I appreciate your understanding,” he told the sold-out crowd, according to The Independent.
Despite the claims, Brand still appeared on stage at his sold-out show on Saturday night. REUTERS
His action came as police in England urged other potential victims of sexual assault to come forward and Officer Tavistock Wood fired him, the outlet reported.
Wood learned of Alice’s allegations three years ago, but continued to represent Brand until the explosive report was published. The agent claimed he had been “horribly misled” by the comic, Deadline reported.
Brand denied the disturbing allegations in an online video posted Saturday even before the report was published.
“Amidst this litany of surprising and rather baroque attacks, there are some very serious accusations that I absolutely refute,” he said, adding that the accusations come from a time when he was “very, very promiscuous,” about which he wrote ” widely”. in my books.”
“Now, during that time of promiscuity, the relationships I had were absolutely and always consensual.”
Responding to the report, a Channel 4 spokesperson said they were “determined to understand the full nature of what happened”.
Brand posted a video Saturday before the bombshell report to deny her claims. Youtube
“We have carried out extensive document searches and have found no evidence to suggest that the alleged incidents have been brought to the attention of Channel 4.
“We will continue to review this in light of any additional information we receive, including the accounts of affected individuals. We will ask the production company that produced the programs. [sic] “Let Channel 4 investigate these allegations and inform us of their findings in an appropriate and satisfactory manner,” the spokesperson continued.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn