The BBC has apologised to staff who felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour during his time working for the broadcaster.
The corporation said eight complaints of misconduct had been considered – only two of which were made during the presenter’s time there.
It also acknowledged it was “clear” that some presenters had been able to abuse their positions in the past.
Brand, 49, has strongly denied any allegations against him and previously said all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual”.
The apology came as the BBC released the findings of an internal review of its handling of complaints, in particular around the comedian’s work for 6 Music and Radio 2, between 2006 and 2008.
BBC director of editorial complaints and reviews Peter Johnston, who carried out the assesment, found there were many staff who felt “unable to raise” concerns and believed Brand “would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent”.
Mr Johnston said “culture of the time undoubtedly influenced what was acceptable/tolerated” but that “the processes for raising concerns were also not as developed as they are now”. The BBC has since improved these processes, he said.
While the review is based on reports of incidents that happened years ago, it “demonstrates that the issue of power hierarchies in creative teams and the role of presenters is something which the BBC should continue to closely monitor”, he added.
Brand was asked to participate in the review, Mr Johnston said, “but did not accept the invitation”.
The review was carried out after a joint investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, The Times and Sunday Times, published in 2023, in which Brand was accused by four women of sexual assaults and abuse between 2006 and 2013.
In response to the report, the BBC said: “When allegations were raised about Russell Brand in 2023, relating to his work at the BBC, it was important that this was looked into methodically. This work has been conducted with the greatest care.
“We want to thank the individuals who have participated, as we know that it has not been easy to speak out about some of the issues the review addresses.
“The review considered eight complaints of misconduct about Russell Brand, only two of which were made while he was engaged by the BBC, one formally and one informally. It is of great concern that some of these individuals felt unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand’s behaviour at the time, and the BBC has apologised to them as part of this review.
“It is also clear that there were compliance inadequacies on some of Russell Brand’s Radio 2 shows which led to content being aired that would not be broadcast today. Russell Brand left the BBC in 2008 following a high-profile editorial breach.
”As has been reported, there is an ongoing police investigation into Russell Brand. The BBC has been in contact with the Metropolitan police throughout the review and they have seen the report. The BBC acknowledges that Russell Brand categorically denies all public allegations made against him.”
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