Downing Street responds to Russell Brand sexual assault allegations

Russell Brand has denied the allegations(Picture: PA)

Downing Street has described Russell Brand’s sexual assault allegations as ‘very serious and concerning.’

Get Him To The Greek actor Brand, 48, was the subject of Channel 4 and The Times’ collaborative Dispatches episode on Saturday night in which he faced allegations of rape, sexual assault, and controlling and emotionally abusive behaviour.

The comedian has strenuously denied the ‘very very serious allegations’ in a video posted on his social media pages on Friday ahead of the episode, as well as an expose from the newspaper.

It’s now been reported that Downing Street has declined to urge broadcasters and streaming platforms such as YouTube and Netflix to take down Brand’s content.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s a decision for all broadcasters to consider the right approach in light of these very serious allegations. They are deeply concerning, they need to be investigated.

‘But I’m not going to dictate the actions of broadcasters or streaming services.’

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This comes after Channel 4 confirmed they have removed all content featuring Brand from their streamer website.

In the wake of the allegations, a spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Channel 4 is appalled to learn of these deeply troubling allegations including behaviour alleged to have taken place on programmes made for Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007. 

‘We are determined to understand the full nature of what went on. We have carried out extensive document searches and have found no evidence to suggest the alleged incidents were brought to the attention of Channel 4. We will continue to review this in light of any further information we receive, including the accounts of those affected individuals.’

In posts obtained by The Daily Mail and shared on what appears to be shared on Facebook, Brand’s father Ron defended his son, writing: ‘With many struggling to pay bills. The unproven accusations of 15 years ago take lead on BBC News?’

The police force spoke to The Sunday Times following the allegations made against Brand (Picture: WireImage)

In another post, he stated: ‘Is this seriously the most important thing happening in this world? Immigrants? Cost of living? 10s of thousands killed in Ukraine? Who is prioritising at BBC News. Who is really driving this vendetta?’

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Then in another message that appeared to have been shared on his Facebook page on Monday, he added: ‘The Russell Brand vendetta. Like a man who owns an orchard being accused of stealing an apple?’

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Following the allegations made against Brand, the Metropolitan Police released a statement, which read: ‘We are aware of media reporting of a series of allegations of sexual assault.

‘At this time, we have not received any reports in relation to this.

‘If anyone believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, we would encourage them to contact police.

‘We spoke with the Sunday Times on Saturday, September 16. We will be making further approaches to the Sunday Times and Channel 4 to ensure that any victims of crime who they have spoken with are aware of how they may report any criminal allegations to police.’

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