The BBC faces renewed criticism after Russell Brand, found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, claimed that former Radio 2 and 6 Music controller Lesley Douglas was "incredibly tolerant" of his inappropriate behaviour.
Hours after the verdict against the 51-year-old was confirmed on Thursday 5 November, the broadcaster issued a public apology. A spokesperson said there "can be no place for the abuse of power" and called on key industry figures to work "to ensure that anyone who suffers at someone else's hand feels able to report it, that their concerns are taken seriously and that they are listened to".
Apology and internal review
The statement also referenced the BBC's 2025 report, which shared findings from an internal review into Brand's behaviour while he worked as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008.
"It was of great concern to us that some people felt unable to raise concerns about Brand's behaviour. We apologised to those impacted, for both the culture and failings at the time, and we reiterate that apology again today," the spokesperson said.
Critics argue the apologies ring hollow given the broadcaster's history of scandals and investigations, noting that Brand is one of many stars who have used their stardom to avoid scrutiny.
Memoir extracts resurface
Following the conviction, extracts from Brand's 2010 memoir, Booky Wook 2, resurfaced online, with The Telegraph sharing passages in which he described his conduct at the BBC.
"From the get-go that show had a propensity for aggravation. It was oftentimes daft and gentle, with music-hall banter and light ribbing, but Lesley loved me and gave me lots of room – so I took that room," Brand wrote.
He added: "I went too far and started claiming that during the news I'd be under the desk, interacting in an intimate manner with the newswoman as she racily recited massacres and football scores."
Claims about competition winners
Brand also recalled: "Lesley Douglas was incredibly tolerant of my behaviour at Radio 2. If you listen to old 6 Music podcasts, you will notice that all the competition winners that came into the studio while we broadcast as a prize were female. This is because there was an additional aspect to the prize which could never be explicitly stated due to the BBC's rigid policy prohibiting the misuse of the disabled lavvy."
The resurfaced passages have intensified scrutiny of the BBC's handling of Brand's behaviour during his time at the broadcaster, with the conviction prompting further questions about institutional failures.
