Jack Bayles has been asked to step back from his role as Head of Comedy at Various Artists Limited after being accused of laughing as Russell Brand sexually assaulted a Channel 4 worker in 2009. The decision came less than 24 hours after Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday.
Allegations from the Trial
During the trial, the woman, who has a lifelong right to anonymity, alleged that Bayles and another producer instructed her to give Brand a massage and watched as she did so. When she told Brand, "Urgh, you're so bony," Brand's colleagues laughed and failed to intervene. The woman said she complained to Channel 4 and was told the matter had been escalated.
It is understood that she did not complain about Bayles at the time, nor was he called to give evidence in Brand's trial. Brand is due to receive his sentence on Monday.
Company and Producer Responses
Various Artists Limited said in a statement: "We have asked Jack Bayles to step back from the company whilst we consider the verdict and events surrounding the trial. Our thoughts, though, are primarily with every one of Brand's victims at this time."
In a statement shared with Deadline, Bayles said: "I am appalled and sickened by Brand's actions and have co-operated fully and voluntarily with the investigation and endeavoured to assist as best I can. However, I do not remember the incident that took place 17 years ago in 2009." He added that he "clearly missed something at the time" and apologised for not recognising the distress caused.
Career Impact
Bayles, known for producing comedy hits including Catastrophe and This Way Up, was working on two BBC projects: season three of Such Brave Girls and a new show titled Push. He has been dropped from both projects.
