Jack Bayles, head of comedy at independent production firm Various Artists Limited (VAL), has been asked to step back from the company while it considers the events surrounding Russell Brand's trial. Bayles will no longer work on two sitcoms being made for the BBC.
The move follows Brand's conviction for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his years as a high-profile comedian and presenter.
Court hears of 2009 massage incident
During the trial at Southwark Crown Court, jurors heard that Bayles and another member of Brand's team, Gareth Roy, had forced a young female Channel 4 staff member to give the comedian a massage in 2009. When she reluctantly agreed, Brand thrust his head into her groin, the court heard. He only moved away after apparently taking offence at her comment about his 'bony' body.
The woman told the court she was 'so repulsed by the situation' and later complained to her bosses at Channel 4.
Bayles apologises and says he 'missed something'
Bayles, who previously worked on BBC sitcoms Such Brave Girls and Push, as well as Channel 4 comedy Catastrophe, said he was 'appalled and sickened' by Brand's actions. In a statement to The Times, he said he had co-operated fully with the investigation but did not remember the incident.
'But I acknowledge that I clearly missed something at the time and did not see nor recognise that it caused distress. For that I am sincerely sorry,' he said. He described the working environment as 'frantic, pressured and toxic', adding that Brand was 'chaotic, dismissive and manipulated the people around him'.
Bayles said he decided to stop working with Brand in 2010 and had not had contact with him since. He added: 'If I was ever present when Brand acted inappropriately and I failed to spot it and step in, then I sincerely apologise.'
VAL statement and ongoing investigations
VAL said in a statement: 'We have asked Jack Bayles to step back from the company while we consider the verdict and events surrounding the trial. Our thoughts, though, are primarily with every one of Brand's victims at this time.'
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed investigations into two further rape allegations against Brand are ongoing. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also said he would not be surprised if 'many more' alleged victims came forward following the verdict.
The case has also reignited questions about former Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas, who Brand claimed in his memoir Booky Wook 2 was 'incredibly tolerant' of his behaviour. He wrote that she had 'loved me and gave me lots of room, so I took that room', and described using BBC disabled toilets for sexual encounters with female competition winners.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also described Brand's actions as 'horrifying' and praised the women who came forward. The BBC referred the Press Association to VAL when asked to comment on Bayles' position.
