The comedian has been accused of rape and sexual assault in an investigation by The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY CHANNEL 4 AND BBC
In a joint journalistic investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, it has been revealed that comedian Russell Brand is alleged to have raped, sexually assaulted, and emotionally abused a number of women throughout his career.
Among these accusations include detailed recounts of rape and sexual assault, a disturbing story of Brand grooming and assaulting a 16-year-old girl when he was 31, and a myriad of different cases where Brand was sexually inappropriate to staff. These events are alleged to have taken place between 2006 to 2013, sometimes on the sets of programmes at the BBC and Channel 4.
Helen Berger, Brand’s former PA, appeared on the Dispatches documentary which aired on Saturday (16 September) where she related what it was like to work for Brand in 2006 – the period where the accusations detailed in the investigation began.
Noting that she had a girlfriend at the time, Helen described how her manager said that her being a lesbian was a “plus” for the job as they “wanted to make sure that I would be safe”. She went on to describe Brand as a “narcissist” who only wore his underwear around her. She also told a story where she witnessed Brand showing his friends intimate images that women had sent him which made her “sick to [her] stomach”.
An interview has also resurfaced with LGBTQIA ally Dannii Minogue who wasn’t afraid to speak out about Brand in 2006.
After she appeared on Brand’s MTV show 1 Leicester Square, Dannii told The Mirror: “He is completely crazy and a bit of a vile predator. I certainly don’t think he has cured his sex addiction, that’s for sure. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. He always goes that step too far. Never quite far enough to slap his face, but usually too far.”
“Throughout the whole interview he kept making shocking remarks that I can’t even repeat,” she continued.
Former cover star Jayde Adams has also addressed the investigation in an Instagram post where she warns to be “wary of false idols. Especially messianic types”.
Russell Brand denies all allegations made against him in the investigation. The chair of the Commons Women and equalities committee, Caroline Nokes, and the pensions minister, Laura Trott have called for there to be a police enquiry into the allegations.
If you have been affected by the issues in this story (or know someone who has), you can access more information on the Rape Crisis England & Wales website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Abuse does not just occur in heterosexual relationships. If you have been the victim of sexual, emotional or physical abuse and are part of the LGBTQIA community, visit Galop to find out the ways you can be supported and get help.
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