Information on ‘Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches’

On 17 September 2023, Channel 4 announced it had opened an investigation following the broadcast of deeply troubling allegations contained in Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches. The focus was to ensure a comprehensive and far-reaching investigation to examine whether people at Channel 4 were aware of the alleged improper behaviour by Russell Brand while he was engaged in programmes made for Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007. The investigation also examined if any concerns of a similar nature were known about and, if so, if these were escalated with Channel 4 and, finally, if any action was taken.

The summary report for Channel 4’s investigation – including its terms of reference, findings and recommendations – can be read here and the press notice can be read here.

If you wish to provide information about allegations raised in Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches, below are details of the services to confidentially share your concerns:

1. To provide information to Channel 4:

Please call 0800 915 1571 to talk to someone in complete confidence. Channel 4’s Speak Up team uses an independent service called Safecall. This service gives you the option to decide whether you wish your concerns to be handled anonymously or not.

The Safecall team will take detailed notes and report your concerns to Channel 4 to be fully investigated. Your concerns will be reported to Channel 4 within 24 hours of you speaking with Safecall (and usually on the same day). Channel 4 will let you know as soon as they have received a report of your concerns and will then contact you directly through the Safecall platform to ensure your confidentiality is maintained. When Safecall ask which company your concerns relate to, please tell them it is Channel 4.

If you prefer to file your own report via the Safecall platform (rather than calling to speak with somebody) you can use Safecall online.

2. To provide information to the Dispatches team:

If you would like to provide information - in confidence - to the journalists investigating this story, please contact Dispatches@Channel4.co.uk.

3. To provide information to the Metropolitan Police:

If you have information regarding an alleged criminal offence, the Metropolitan Police have asked people to contact them at CSCMailbox-.ComplexInvestigationTeam@met.police.uk.

4. To comment on the programme Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches:

If you are a viewer wanting to comment on the programme Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches, you can log your comment with Channel 4’s Viewer Enquiries at 0345 076 0191 or contact us directly at www.channel4.com/contact.

Statement from Channel 4 (Released September 2023):

"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.

“We have asked the production company who produced the programmes for Channel 4 to investigate these allegations and report their findings properly and satisfactorily to us. Channel 4 is also conducting its own internal investigation, and we would encourage anyone who is aware of such behaviour to contact us directly.

“In the many years since the alleged incidents took place, there has obviously been extensive change in Channel 4’s management and commissioning teams. Today, Channel 4 has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and has a robust Code of Conduct. We require all suppliers to have in place rigorous safeguarding policies and provide whistleblowing support, including Channel 4’s Speak Up facility. 

“We have written to all our current suppliers reminding them of their responsibilities under our Code of Conduct, as we are committed to ensuring our industry has safe, inclusive and professional working environments."