The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced a comprehensive review of Russell Brand’s association with the broadcaster following accusations of rape and sexual assault made against the comedian.

The decision to initiate this review came just hours after the BBC removed select content featuring Russell Brand from its platforms. Additionally, YouTube has suspended advertisements on videos posted by Brand.

These actions are in response to allegations by four women who claim to have experienced sexual abuse between 2006 and 2013 as part of a joint investigation conducted by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches. Russell Brand, 48, has vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that all of his relationships have been consensual.

The BBC, in a statement, expressed that they had evaluated the content in question and made a considered decision to remove certain segments, as it was deemed that they now fell below public expectations.

Among the affected content are a 2018 episode of QI and a 2021 Joe Wicks podcast, both of which featured Russell Brand as a guest. These shows are currently listed as “not currently available” on the BBC’s website.

In light of the seriousness of the allegations and the impact on the reputation of both the BBC and Russell Brand, the director general of the BBC, Tim Davie, ordered the review to ensure transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the Metropolitan Police has reported receiving a new complaint of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred in Soho, central London, in 2003.

Russell Brand continues to deny all allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse, maintaining that his relationships were consensual.