Love Island, The Traitors, Love Is Blind: they’re so popular, they’ve gone global. Reality TV is an ever-evolving beast that can guarantee hefty viewership with the promise of drama. But show bosses in the U.K. are facing an influx of concerns surrounding the welfare of their contestants and crew. A two-pronged problem has emerged.
On Tuesday last week, the BBC confirmed a myriad of welfare measures are to be put in place on its beloved dance competition series Strictly Come Dancing — watched by an average of 6.6 million people per episode in 2023 — after two former professionals on the show had exited following allegations of “gross misconduct.”
Tim Davie, the broadcaster’s director-general, issued an apology as the company’s annual report was released. Though he did not refer to any specific competitors or employees, he spoke about “a degree of competitiveness, hard work and will to do...
On Tuesday last week, the BBC confirmed a myriad of welfare measures are to be put in place on its beloved dance competition series Strictly Come Dancing — watched by an average of 6.6 million people per episode in 2023 — after two former professionals on the show had exited following allegations of “gross misconduct.”
Tim Davie, the broadcaster’s director-general, issued an apology as the company’s annual report was released. Though he did not refer to any specific competitors or employees, he spoke about “a degree of competitiveness, hard work and will to do...
- 7/26/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tuesday’s episode of Dispatches, titled “Britain’s Unsolved Crimewave,” examines the issue of unsolved neighbourhood crimes in England and Wales. The investigative documentary reveals startling insights into the state of local law enforcement. The episode uncovers exclusive police data, identifying hotspots across England and Wales where a staggering 100% of neighbourhood crimes go unsolved. Reporter Isobel […]
Dispatches: Britain’s Unsolved Crimewave...
Dispatches: Britain’s Unsolved Crimewave...
- 7/16/2024
- by Izzy Jacobs
- MemorableTV
Concerns were raised about Russell Brand’s behavior two decades ago on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and a rumor spread about his making crew members wait outside his dressing room whilst he masturbated, according to a Banijay investigation published this morning.
Conducted by legal firm Lewis Silkin, the probe found that concerns regarding Brand’s behaviour were raised informally with senior members of staff, “particularly in relation to him asking runners to obtain phone numbers of audience members and female crew members feeling uncomfortable or intimidated by his behaviour.”
Two witnesses told the firm they were aware of rumors of his masturbating, while others stated they had heard this rumor since, although there was no evidence of formal or informal complaints from the time.
When Brand was engaged to work on magazine formats Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother’s EFourum, the investigation said Channel 4 and...
Conducted by legal firm Lewis Silkin, the probe found that concerns regarding Brand’s behaviour were raised informally with senior members of staff, “particularly in relation to him asking runners to obtain phone numbers of audience members and female crew members feeling uncomfortable or intimidated by his behaviour.”
Two witnesses told the firm they were aware of rumors of his masturbating, while others stated they had heard this rumor since, although there was no evidence of formal or informal complaints from the time.
When Brand was engaged to work on magazine formats Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother’s EFourum, the investigation said Channel 4 and...
- 6/14/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Bear Grylls has confirmed that he helped baptize Russell Brand, the British actor and comedian who has faced historical allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Brand has converted to Christianity and told his social media followers that he was baptized during an “incredible” ceremony in the River Thames supported by Grylls.
‘I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself,’ Brand said in a video.
First week as a Christian and the biggest challenge has been… pic.twitter.com/GHTL8g0Orl
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) May 6, 2024
Grylls, a devout Christian and star of shows including Netflix’s You vs. Wild, later confirmed his role in a statement to The Daily Mail newspaper.
“Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, but it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they...
Brand has converted to Christianity and told his social media followers that he was baptized during an “incredible” ceremony in the River Thames supported by Grylls.
‘I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself,’ Brand said in a video.
First week as a Christian and the biggest challenge has been… pic.twitter.com/GHTL8g0Orl
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) May 6, 2024
Grylls, a devout Christian and star of shows including Netflix’s You vs. Wild, later confirmed his role in a statement to The Daily Mail newspaper.
“Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, but it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they...
- 5/7/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Ella Al-Shamahi and Datshiane Navanayagam are the new hosts of The Conversation, the BBC World Service English programme dedicated to highlighting and discussing incredible women and their experiences.
The Conversation hears from women in different countries across the globe as they share first-hand their personal experiences and some of their most intimate insights, from what it’s like to be a woman in the music industry, to promoting women’s rights through sport, or working with local communities to fight climate change.
In the upcoming series of The Conversation, Ella meets two women taking part in the legendary Dakar race, a gruelling off-road endurance rally, which since its inception in 1978 only one woman has won. Meanwhile, Datshiane speaks to two women from East Timor and Finland who are fighting to eradicate homelessness.
Ella Al-Shamahi is an explorer, palaeoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist and stand-up comic who has fronted science and archaeology programmes on the BBC and beyond,...
The Conversation hears from women in different countries across the globe as they share first-hand their personal experiences and some of their most intimate insights, from what it’s like to be a woman in the music industry, to promoting women’s rights through sport, or working with local communities to fight climate change.
In the upcoming series of The Conversation, Ella meets two women taking part in the legendary Dakar race, a gruelling off-road endurance rally, which since its inception in 1978 only one woman has won. Meanwhile, Datshiane speaks to two women from East Timor and Finland who are fighting to eradicate homelessness.
Ella Al-Shamahi is an explorer, palaeoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist and stand-up comic who has fronted science and archaeology programmes on the BBC and beyond,...
- 4/3/2024
- Podnews.net
Channel 4, the U.K. network where Russell Brand found early career fame, has revealed the findings of an internal investigation into whether its staff knew of “deeply troubling allegations” before they were revealed in a Dispatches doc last year.
The probe was opened after Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches program, which investigated sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the actor and TV host, aired on Sept. 16 of last year.
“The investigation found no evidence to suggest that there was knowledge within the channel of the allegations contained in the Dispatches program about Russell Brand’s behavior while he was a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings of Comedy between 2004 and 2007,” the Channel 4 probe revealed.
After making a name for himself as a stand-up comic, Brand rose to fame on Channel 4 as the host of Big Brother spin-off Big Brother’s Big Mouth in the mid-2000s,...
The probe was opened after Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches program, which investigated sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the actor and TV host, aired on Sept. 16 of last year.
“The investigation found no evidence to suggest that there was knowledge within the channel of the allegations contained in the Dispatches program about Russell Brand’s behavior while he was a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings of Comedy between 2004 and 2007,” the Channel 4 probe revealed.
After making a name for himself as a stand-up comic, Brand rose to fame on Channel 4 as the host of Big Brother spin-off Big Brother’s Big Mouth in the mid-2000s,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The BBC is investigating five complaints into the conduct of Russell Brand during the comedian’s time as a presenter for the broadcaster.
In September, the Sunday Times of London, The Times and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s documentary team “Dispatches” published the results of a year-long investigation where Brand was accused of “rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse.” Brand preemptively denied the allegations in a YouTube video titled “So, This Is Happening,” where he said he “absolutely refutes” the “litany of astonishing, rather baroque, attacks.”
The BBC launched a review into Brand’s conduct for the time he was with the broadcaster and has now called for more information.
“Following recent media reporting, we have undertaken significant work to identify what complaints or allegations were made to the BBC about Russell Brand’s conduct. The passage of time means this is not a straightforward task – for example, the...
In September, the Sunday Times of London, The Times and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s documentary team “Dispatches” published the results of a year-long investigation where Brand was accused of “rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse.” Brand preemptively denied the allegations in a YouTube video titled “So, This Is Happening,” where he said he “absolutely refutes” the “litany of astonishing, rather baroque, attacks.”
The BBC launched a review into Brand’s conduct for the time he was with the broadcaster and has now called for more information.
“Following recent media reporting, we have undertaken significant work to identify what complaints or allegations were made to the BBC about Russell Brand’s conduct. The passage of time means this is not a straightforward task – for example, the...
- 11/14/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Russell Brand has been accused of sexual assault by a film extra during the production of “Arthur” in July 2010.
In a lawsuit, filed Friday in the New York Supreme Court and obtained by Variety, a woman — referred to as Jane Doe — said that Brand “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” prior to the assault.
Brand, who played the titular role in 2011’s “Arthur,” then proceeded to expose himself to the complainant and in full view of the cast and crew, the lawsuit states.
“The sexual assault happened later that same day when I was in the bathroom. Mr. Brand entered after me and assaulted me, as a member of the production crew guarded the door from outside,” the suit reads. “As a result of the sexual abuse, I suffered and continue to suffer extreme embarrassment, shame, and fear.”
Companies that were involved...
In a lawsuit, filed Friday in the New York Supreme Court and obtained by Variety, a woman — referred to as Jane Doe — said that Brand “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” prior to the assault.
Brand, who played the titular role in 2011’s “Arthur,” then proceeded to expose himself to the complainant and in full view of the cast and crew, the lawsuit states.
“The sexual assault happened later that same day when I was in the bathroom. Mr. Brand entered after me and assaulted me, as a member of the production crew guarded the door from outside,” the suit reads. “As a result of the sexual abuse, I suffered and continue to suffer extreme embarrassment, shame, and fear.”
Companies that were involved...
- 11/5/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Super-indie Argonon has appointed Joe Weinstock to the newly created role of chief executive, Argonon USA, reporting into global CEO James Burstall.
Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., has a joint venture with Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, founded by Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
Weinstock co-founded Rose Rock Entertainment in a joint venture with Argonon in 2022. The group continues to scale up its U.S. operations with a core focus on the West Coast. Burstall becomes executive chair, Argonon USA, and will work closely with Weinstock to deliver the group’s U.S. growth strategy.
Confirmed commissions at Rose Rock include a currently unannounced series in production for a U.S. network and a one-off event TV show. Weinstock also has several projects in funded development with a range of networks.
Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., has a joint venture with Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, founded by Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
Weinstock co-founded Rose Rock Entertainment in a joint venture with Argonon in 2022. The group continues to scale up its U.S. operations with a core focus on the West Coast. Burstall becomes executive chair, Argonon USA, and will work closely with Weinstock to deliver the group’s U.S. growth strategy.
Confirmed commissions at Rose Rock include a currently unannounced series in production for a U.S. network and a one-off event TV show. Weinstock also has several projects in funded development with a range of networks.
- 10/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Russell Brand is facing another police investigation.
On Monday, BBC News reported that Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into the comedian, amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, rape and assault.
Read More: U.K. Police Open Sexual Offenses Investigation After Allegations About Russell Brand
The police department said that its investigation was opened after a woman contacted them two weeks ago, sharing “new information” related to reports of “harassment and stalking.”
According to BBC News, the woman had reported allegations to the Thames Valley Police multiple times from 2018 to 2022, though no further action had been taken.
Brand accused the same woman of harassment against him in 2017.
While the police department confirmed the new investigation, they did not share further information, saying that “it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation.”
It is the second official police investigation into Brand, after the Metropolitan Police in London confirmed...
On Monday, BBC News reported that Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into the comedian, amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, rape and assault.
Read More: U.K. Police Open Sexual Offenses Investigation After Allegations About Russell Brand
The police department said that its investigation was opened after a woman contacted them two weeks ago, sharing “new information” related to reports of “harassment and stalking.”
According to BBC News, the woman had reported allegations to the Thames Valley Police multiple times from 2018 to 2022, though no further action had been taken.
Brand accused the same woman of harassment against him in 2017.
While the police department confirmed the new investigation, they did not share further information, saying that “it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation.”
It is the second official police investigation into Brand, after the Metropolitan Police in London confirmed...
- 10/2/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
After London’s Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into Russell Brand last week, the Thames Valley Police is also looking into the matter, it has emerged.
A woman contacted the Thames Valley Police two weeks ago with “new information” in relation to reports of “harassment and stalking,” according to the BBC. The Metropolitan Police had said previously that it had received a “number of allegations of sexual offences.”
Brand, a comedian and actor who has appeared in films including “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, was the subject of a lengthy joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged that Brand raped or sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strongly denied the allegations.
Per the BBC, the woman reported her allegations to Thames Valley Police several times between 2018 and 2022 but no further action was taken.
A woman contacted the Thames Valley Police two weeks ago with “new information” in relation to reports of “harassment and stalking,” according to the BBC. The Metropolitan Police had said previously that it had received a “number of allegations of sexual offences.”
Brand, a comedian and actor who has appeared in films including “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, was the subject of a lengthy joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged that Brand raped or sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strongly denied the allegations.
Per the BBC, the woman reported her allegations to Thames Valley Police several times between 2018 and 2022 but no further action was taken.
- 10/2/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
It’s Friday, aka Insider Day. Jesse Whittock back again to run you through the international film and TV stories dominating the headlines this week.
BBC’s Social Media Guide
Steadying the flagship: Easily one of the BBC’s biggest ongoing headaches is around how the broadcaster’s most popular stars and presenters engage on social media platforms. The issue blasted back into life earlier this year when Match of the Day presenter and Twitter/X fanatic Gary Lineker tweeted to liken the language used by the British government around its asylum seeker policy to that of Germany in the 1930s and was temporarily suspended by the BBC. After an outcry over the suspension, which included many of Lineker’s colleagues stopping work in solidarity, he was reinstated and the BBC plunged into an existential crisis over how it remains impartial while allowing freedom of expression to its biggest stars.
BBC’s Social Media Guide
Steadying the flagship: Easily one of the BBC’s biggest ongoing headaches is around how the broadcaster’s most popular stars and presenters engage on social media platforms. The issue blasted back into life earlier this year when Match of the Day presenter and Twitter/X fanatic Gary Lineker tweeted to liken the language used by the British government around its asylum seeker policy to that of Germany in the 1930s and was temporarily suspended by the BBC. After an outcry over the suspension, which included many of Lineker’s colleagues stopping work in solidarity, he was reinstated and the BBC plunged into an existential crisis over how it remains impartial while allowing freedom of expression to its biggest stars.
- 9/29/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Russell Brand posted a new video across his social media channels on Friday after facing allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.
The clip is his first public comment since the initial accusations were published in an investigation by the Sunday Times and U.K. TV news show, Dispatches last weekend.
“I’s been an extraordinary and distressing week,” said Brand, who did not address the claims directly in Friday’s three-minute video. Instead, Brand accused the Trusted News Initiative — a partnership between global organizations like the BBC, AP, European Broadcasting Union,...
The clip is his first public comment since the initial accusations were published in an investigation by the Sunday Times and U.K. TV news show, Dispatches last weekend.
“I’s been an extraordinary and distressing week,” said Brand, who did not address the claims directly in Friday’s three-minute video. Instead, Brand accused the Trusted News Initiative — a partnership between global organizations like the BBC, AP, European Broadcasting Union,...
- 9/23/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
The BBC is finally investigating Russell Brand’s behavior from 15 years ago after a woman resurfaced her allegation that he exposed himself to her and laughed about it on the air. BBC reports that the woman, identified anonymously as Olivia, said she told BBC staff about the incident several times over the years and that, in the BBC’s words, “they would laugh it off.”
The alleged incident, which comes on the heels of several women accusing Brand of rape and sexual assault, occurred on June 16, 2008, at the network’s...
The alleged incident, which comes on the heels of several women accusing Brand of rape and sexual assault, occurred on June 16, 2008, at the network’s...
- 9/21/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Video site Rumble has lashed out at the UK government for asking if it would stop Russell Brand earning money on the platform following the sexual assault allegations made against the comedian and actor.
According to a statement on Rumble’s X/Twitter feed, the company received an “extremely disturbing letter” from a “committee chair” from the British government. In response, the company said it “emphatically reject[s] the UK Parliament’s demands” and would not “join a cancel culture mob.” (See the full statement below.)
Over the weekend, Brand was accused of committing acts of rape and sexual assault in a joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches program. He denies criminal wrongdoing and says his relationships have always been consensual.
Caroline Dineage, the chair of the Commons culture, media and sport committee, is widely reported have written to several social media platforms, including Rumble,...
According to a statement on Rumble’s X/Twitter feed, the company received an “extremely disturbing letter” from a “committee chair” from the British government. In response, the company said it “emphatically reject[s] the UK Parliament’s demands” and would not “join a cancel culture mob.” (See the full statement below.)
Over the weekend, Brand was accused of committing acts of rape and sexual assault in a joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches program. He denies criminal wrongdoing and says his relationships have always been consensual.
Caroline Dineage, the chair of the Commons culture, media and sport committee, is widely reported have written to several social media platforms, including Rumble,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles, Sep 21 (Ians) Actor-comedian Russell Brand once urged a 15-year-old to have a sex-themed birthday party when she turned 16.
Brand, who has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional and physical abuse by six women, including one who said she was 16 at the time of their reported relationship, made the remarks on his BBC radio series ‘The Russell Brand Show’, a clip of which has resurfaced since the accusations against him emerged on 16 September, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Brand told the young female caller in 2007 when she rang asking for advice for a theme for her 16th birthday party, “I suppose you’re 16, you can’t really drink booze yet or any drugs because that’s illegal. Now, you will be legally allowed to have sexual partners. I think you should theme the party around legal sex.”
The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ actor then suggested the teen have a vampire-themed...
Brand, who has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional and physical abuse by six women, including one who said she was 16 at the time of their reported relationship, made the remarks on his BBC radio series ‘The Russell Brand Show’, a clip of which has resurfaced since the accusations against him emerged on 16 September, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Brand told the young female caller in 2007 when she rang asking for advice for a theme for her 16th birthday party, “I suppose you’re 16, you can’t really drink booze yet or any drugs because that’s illegal. Now, you will be legally allowed to have sexual partners. I think you should theme the party around legal sex.”
The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ actor then suggested the teen have a vampire-themed...
- 9/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Los Angeles, Sep 21 (Ians) Actor-comedian Russell Brand once urged a 15-year-old to have a sex-themed birthday party when she turned 16.
Brand, who has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional and physical abuse by six women, including one who said she was 16 at the time of their reported relationship, made the remarks on his BBC radio series ‘The Russell Brand Show’, a clip of which has resurfaced since the accusations against him emerged on 16 September, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Brand told the young female caller in 2007 when she rang asking for advice for a theme for her 16th birthday party, “I suppose you’re 16, you can’t really drink booze yet or any drugs because that’s illegal. Now, you will be legally allowed to have sexual partners. I think you should theme the party around legal sex.”
The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ actor then suggested the teen have a vampire-themed...
Brand, who has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional and physical abuse by six women, including one who said she was 16 at the time of their reported relationship, made the remarks on his BBC radio series ‘The Russell Brand Show’, a clip of which has resurfaced since the accusations against him emerged on 16 September, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Brand told the young female caller in 2007 when she rang asking for advice for a theme for her 16th birthday party, “I suppose you’re 16, you can’t really drink booze yet or any drugs because that’s illegal. Now, you will be legally allowed to have sexual partners. I think you should theme the party around legal sex.”
The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ actor then suggested the teen have a vampire-themed...
- 9/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Russell Brand has postponed his remaining live performances on his Bipolarisation tour following sexual assault allegations.
A joint investigation between the UK’s Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times revealed accusations from four women alleging that the comedian sexually and emotionally abused and raped them between 2006 and 2013.
Brand has denied these “very serious allegations,” though various news outlets have since reported more women coming forward with similar claims.
In light of the weekend’s investigation, Brand has halted his live tour.
“We are postponing these few remaining addiction charity fundraiser shows, we don’t like doing it — but we know you’ll understand,” the tour’s promoter announced in a statement.
Channel 4 has since removed a number of television episodes that featured Brand, and has announced an internal inquiry into Brand’s alleged behavior. The network is encouraging “anyone who is aware of such behavior to contact us directly.
A joint investigation between the UK’s Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times revealed accusations from four women alleging that the comedian sexually and emotionally abused and raped them between 2006 and 2013.
Brand has denied these “very serious allegations,” though various news outlets have since reported more women coming forward with similar claims.
In light of the weekend’s investigation, Brand has halted his live tour.
“We are postponing these few remaining addiction charity fundraiser shows, we don’t like doing it — but we know you’ll understand,” the tour’s promoter announced in a statement.
Channel 4 has since removed a number of television episodes that featured Brand, and has announced an internal inquiry into Brand’s alleged behavior. The network is encouraging “anyone who is aware of such behavior to contact us directly.
- 9/20/2023
- by Ava Lombardi
- Uinterview
U.K. culture secretary Lucy Frazer has called the allegations against Russell Brand “deeply shocking” and said “it is right” they are being investigated by the police.
In a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches,” which dropped over the weekend, Brand was accused of rape and sexual assault against four women at the height of his fame. He adamantly denies the allegations.
Frazer, who was appointed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to lead the department of culture, media and sport in February, said it was important to keep the creative industries safe for young people. She is the eleventh culture secretary in the space of ten years.
“Those allegations are deeply shocking and it’s right that the police are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward,” she said at...
In a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches,” which dropped over the weekend, Brand was accused of rape and sexual assault against four women at the height of his fame. He adamantly denies the allegations.
Frazer, who was appointed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to lead the department of culture, media and sport in February, said it was important to keep the creative industries safe for young people. She is the eleventh culture secretary in the space of ten years.
“Those allegations are deeply shocking and it’s right that the police are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward,” she said at...
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
UK media regulator Ofcom has received more than 100 complaints from viewers who felt that Channel 4’s bombshell expose on Russell Brand was “unfair” to the comedian.
Channel 4’s Dispatches film broadcast on Saturday night at 9Pm and carried accusations from four women who said they were sexually assaulted by Brand at the height of his fame.
Russell Brand: In Plain Sight prompted 134 complaints to Ofcom. “The majority of complainants felt the programme was unfair to Russell Brand,” the media regulator said.
Brand has strongly denied criminal wrongdoing. He said Channel 4, The Times, and The Sunday Times’ investigation into his alleged behavior was part of a “mainstream media” conspiracy to silence him.
His preemptive denial video has been viewed nearly 70M times on Twitter (now X) alone. Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches was watched by 1.8M people in the UK on Saturday night, which will be one...
Channel 4’s Dispatches film broadcast on Saturday night at 9Pm and carried accusations from four women who said they were sexually assaulted by Brand at the height of his fame.
Russell Brand: In Plain Sight prompted 134 complaints to Ofcom. “The majority of complainants felt the programme was unfair to Russell Brand,” the media regulator said.
Brand has strongly denied criminal wrongdoing. He said Channel 4, The Times, and The Sunday Times’ investigation into his alleged behavior was part of a “mainstream media” conspiracy to silence him.
His preemptive denial video has been viewed nearly 70M times on Twitter (now X) alone. Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches was watched by 1.8M people in the UK on Saturday night, which will be one...
- 9/20/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A YouTube executive said that while Russell Brand has been demonetized on the platform, the actor-comedian will not be banned amid accusations of rape and sexual assault.
On Tuesday, YouTube suspended Brand’s ability to monetize his channel — which has 6 million subscribers — and halted advertisements on his videos, saying that Brand had violated YouTube’s “Creator Responsibility policy.”
“If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action,” a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement.
YouTube’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa Vice President Pedro Pina...
On Tuesday, YouTube suspended Brand’s ability to monetize his channel — which has 6 million subscribers — and halted advertisements on his videos, saying that Brand had violated YouTube’s “Creator Responsibility policy.”
“If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action,” a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement.
YouTube’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa Vice President Pedro Pina...
- 9/20/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
A YouTube exec has said disgraced comedian Russell Brand should not be able to “make a living” through the platform but added YouTube currently has no plans to ban him.
Pedro Pina, YouTube’s Emea VP was appearing in conversation with Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K, on Wednesday when Mahon asked him about the decision to turn off monetization of Brand’s YouTube channel.
“Essentially he is not able to make a living through YouTube,” said Pina. “We don’t believe that should happen.”
Brand, a comedian and actor who has appeared in films including “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, was the subject of a lengthy joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged that Brand raped or sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strongly denied the allegations.
Pedro Pina, YouTube’s Emea VP was appearing in conversation with Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K, on Wednesday when Mahon asked him about the decision to turn off monetization of Brand’s YouTube channel.
“Essentially he is not able to make a living through YouTube,” said Pina. “We don’t believe that should happen.”
Brand, a comedian and actor who has appeared in films including “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, was the subject of a lengthy joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged that Brand raped or sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strongly denied the allegations.
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC boss Tim Davie has said he hasn’t ruled out an external investigation relating to the allegations against comedian Russell Brand.
Over the weekend Brand was the subject of an in-depth joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged he had sexually assaulted and raped up to four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strenuously denied the allegations.
Davie was appearing in conversation at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K. where he was questioned by journalist Kate Bulkley.
Citing the ongoing investigation against BBC DJ Tim Westwood, who is currently the subject of another investigation led by an independent reviewer following allegations of sexual assault, and obliquely referring to the recent Huw Edwards scandal, Bulkley asked Davie “Who’s next?”
“These are very serious allegations,” Davie replied. “We just can’t be complacent.
Over the weekend Brand was the subject of an in-depth joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged he had sexually assaulted and raped up to four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strenuously denied the allegations.
Davie was appearing in conversation at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K. where he was questioned by journalist Kate Bulkley.
Citing the ongoing investigation against BBC DJ Tim Westwood, who is currently the subject of another investigation led by an independent reviewer following allegations of sexual assault, and obliquely referring to the recent Huw Edwards scandal, Bulkley asked Davie “Who’s next?”
“These are very serious allegations,” Davie replied. “We just can’t be complacent.
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has said that the allegations against Russell Brand show that “terrible” treatment of women was tolerated in the British television industry.
In her first comments about the scandal on a public platform, Mahon said there would be no empty words or gestures in getting to the bottom of the accusations of sexual assault against Brand.
Opening the Rts Cambridge Convention, she said the allegations — broadcast on her own network via Channel 4’s Dispatches current affairs brand — were “disgusting and saddening.” Brand strenuously denies criminal wrongdoing.
Alex Mahon
Mahon said the evidence uncovered by Dispatches, alongside The Times and Sunday Times newspapers, revealed that “terrible behavior towards women was historically tolerated in our industry.” She said conditions had improved, but it is “still a problem.”
Channel 4 has launched an investigation into Brand. As revealed by Deadline, it has also asked third-party production companies to come forward...
In her first comments about the scandal on a public platform, Mahon said there would be no empty words or gestures in getting to the bottom of the accusations of sexual assault against Brand.
Opening the Rts Cambridge Convention, she said the allegations — broadcast on her own network via Channel 4’s Dispatches current affairs brand — were “disgusting and saddening.” Brand strenuously denies criminal wrongdoing.
Alex Mahon
Mahon said the evidence uncovered by Dispatches, alongside The Times and Sunday Times newspapers, revealed that “terrible behavior towards women was historically tolerated in our industry.” She said conditions had improved, but it is “still a problem.”
Channel 4 has launched an investigation into Brand. As revealed by Deadline, it has also asked third-party production companies to come forward...
- 9/20/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Alex Mahon, boss of U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 4, has called the allegations against comedian Russell Brand “horrendous” and has confirmed the network is investigating the comedian’s behaviour.
Brand has been accused of sexual assault and rape by four women. The allegations were made public last weekend in a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary team “Dispatches.” Brand has strongly denied the claims.
For many years the comedian was a familiar face on Channel 4, presenting “Big Brother” spin-off “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” among other fare. In 2019 he also appeared as a celebrity guest on “The Great British Bake-Off” where he shocked viewers by baking cookies shaped like his wife’s genitals.
“We meet in a week where yet again our industry is very much in the public spotlight,” Mahon said as she gave the opening remarks at the Royal...
Brand has been accused of sexual assault and rape by four women. The allegations were made public last weekend in a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary team “Dispatches.” Brand has strongly denied the claims.
For many years the comedian was a familiar face on Channel 4, presenting “Big Brother” spin-off “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” among other fare. In 2019 he also appeared as a celebrity guest on “The Great British Bake-Off” where he shocked viewers by baking cookies shaped like his wife’s genitals.
“We meet in a week where yet again our industry is very much in the public spotlight,” Mahon said as she gave the opening remarks at the Royal...
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
YouTube has suspended monetization on Russell Brand’s channels amid allegations of rape and sexual assault. Though Brand’s channels remain on YouTube, the Google-owned company has halted advertisement on videos by the comedian.
“If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action,” a YouTube spokesperson told U.K. media outlets on Tuesday, per Variety and THR. The company added that Brand had violated YouTube’s “Creator Responsibility policy.”
The author and comedian-turned-wellness guru and podcast host is in the news due to a Times investigation published Saturday,...
“If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action,” a YouTube spokesperson told U.K. media outlets on Tuesday, per Variety and THR. The company added that Brand had violated YouTube’s “Creator Responsibility policy.”
The author and comedian-turned-wellness guru and podcast host is in the news due to a Times investigation published Saturday,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Carita Rizzo
- Rollingstone.com
Russell Brand is facing rape and assault allegations that emerged over the weekend and are now putting a hold on his upcoming projects.
Brand’s sold-out comedy tour “Bipolarisation” was postponed at the U.K.’s Theatre Royal Windsor, plus in Plymouth and Wolverhampton over the next 10 days. Brand has additionally been dropped by his management company, and his book deal has been suspended.
A years-long joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 culminated in the recently aired documentary “Dispatches” during which four women accuse Brand of sexual assault and one case of rape. Brand allegedly also entered controlling consensual relationships, including with a 16-year-old girl whom he allegedly made read passages of “Lolita” to him. To note, 16 is the age of consent in the U.K.; Brand was 31 at the time of the allegation.
Assault accusations against Brand in “Dispatches” range from encounters...
Brand’s sold-out comedy tour “Bipolarisation” was postponed at the U.K.’s Theatre Royal Windsor, plus in Plymouth and Wolverhampton over the next 10 days. Brand has additionally been dropped by his management company, and his book deal has been suspended.
A years-long joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 culminated in the recently aired documentary “Dispatches” during which four women accuse Brand of sexual assault and one case of rape. Brand allegedly also entered controlling consensual relationships, including with a 16-year-old girl whom he allegedly made read passages of “Lolita” to him. To note, 16 is the age of consent in the U.K.; Brand was 31 at the time of the allegation.
Assault accusations against Brand in “Dispatches” range from encounters...
- 9/18/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Police in London received a report of sexual assault tied to the allegations made against Russell Brand in the media over the weekend.
In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, the Metropolitan Police said: “On Sunday, 17 September, the Met received a report of a sexual assault which was alleged to have taken place in Soho in central London in 2003. Officers are in contact with the woman and will be providing her with support.”
Brand was not named in the police report, and it is standard practice for the Met Police...
In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, the Metropolitan Police said: “On Sunday, 17 September, the Met received a report of a sexual assault which was alleged to have taken place in Soho in central London in 2003. Officers are in contact with the woman and will be providing her with support.”
Brand was not named in the police report, and it is standard practice for the Met Police...
- 9/18/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Russell Brand’s last major television job in the UK ended with him being dropped after he was repeatedly accused of being a “sexual predator” during the recording of the show.
Brand was booked as a judge on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle in 2018, but only lasted a single season on the series after he himself was roasted on-camera over allegations he had sexually assaulted women. He strongly denies criminal wrongdoing.
Three sources close to the Fulwell 73 production said Roast Battle judge Katherine Ryan turned the heat on Brand a number of times during filming. Her allegations did not make the final edit.
The confrontations reveal how speculation about Brand was circulating in the comedy and TV worlds, but he continued to be employed on primetime series. The show appears to be something of a turning point, however, given Brand virtually vanished from UK television screens after 2018, except for...
Brand was booked as a judge on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle in 2018, but only lasted a single season on the series after he himself was roasted on-camera over allegations he had sexually assaulted women. He strongly denies criminal wrongdoing.
Three sources close to the Fulwell 73 production said Roast Battle judge Katherine Ryan turned the heat on Brand a number of times during filming. Her allegations did not make the final edit.
The confrontations reveal how speculation about Brand was circulating in the comedy and TV worlds, but he continued to be employed on primetime series. The show appears to be something of a turning point, however, given Brand virtually vanished from UK television screens after 2018, except for...
- 9/18/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The allegations were revealed in a joint investigation by ‘The Times’ and ‘Channel 4’’s Dispatches.
The BBC, Channel 4 and production company Banijay UK have launched investigations into the behavior of UK film and TV actor, TV and radio presenter and comedian Russell Brand while working on their programmes following accusations of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse by four women between 2006 and 2013.
The allegations were revealed in a joint investigation by The Times and Channel 4’s ‘Dispatches’ programme.
Brand denies the allegations and says his relationships were “always consensual”.
During this period Brand also starred in films including Arthur...
The BBC, Channel 4 and production company Banijay UK have launched investigations into the behavior of UK film and TV actor, TV and radio presenter and comedian Russell Brand while working on their programmes following accusations of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse by four women between 2006 and 2013.
The allegations were revealed in a joint investigation by The Times and Channel 4’s ‘Dispatches’ programme.
Brand denies the allegations and says his relationships were “always consensual”.
During this period Brand also starred in films including Arthur...
- 9/18/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Allegations against comedian and actor Russell Brand are being investigated by the BBC and Banijay U.K., while the Metropolitan police has encouraged victims to come forward.
On Saturday, the Sunday Times of London, The Times and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s documentary team “Dispatches” published the results of a year-long investigation where Brand was accused of “rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse.”
Brand pre-emptively denied the allegations in a YouTube video titled “So, This Is Happening,” where he said he “absolutely refutes” the “litany of astonishing, rather baroque, attacks.”
On Sunday, a BBC spokesperson said: “The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years. Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised.”
One of the allegations is from a then 16-year-old during the time Brand presented a show on BBC Radio 6.
Other allegations are...
On Saturday, the Sunday Times of London, The Times and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s documentary team “Dispatches” published the results of a year-long investigation where Brand was accused of “rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse.”
Brand pre-emptively denied the allegations in a YouTube video titled “So, This Is Happening,” where he said he “absolutely refutes” the “litany of astonishing, rather baroque, attacks.”
On Sunday, a BBC spokesperson said: “The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years. Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised.”
One of the allegations is from a then 16-year-old during the time Brand presented a show on BBC Radio 6.
Other allegations are...
- 9/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Following the Sunday Times‘ bombshell exposé, in which several women shared their allegations of being sexually assaulted by Russell Brand, Britain’s Channel 4 went even further with a broadcast on its “Dispatches” documentary series, “Russell Brand: In Plain Sight”.
In the documentary, aired Saturday night in the U.K. five women — all of whom concealed their identities — spoke out about the alleged abuse they’d experience from the British comedian, who had previously denied all allegations and insisted all his sexual liaisons had been completely consensual.
“For more than a year, Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’, The Times and Sunday Times have been investigating Russell Brand’s treatment of women,” said a promo for the broadcast, posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The allegations include rape, sexual assault, and controlling and emotionally abusive behaviour.”
Exclusive: Russell Brand denies accusations of rape, sexual assault and controlling and emotionally abusive behaviour.
Five women share their...
In the documentary, aired Saturday night in the U.K. five women — all of whom concealed their identities — spoke out about the alleged abuse they’d experience from the British comedian, who had previously denied all allegations and insisted all his sexual liaisons had been completely consensual.
“For more than a year, Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’, The Times and Sunday Times have been investigating Russell Brand’s treatment of women,” said a promo for the broadcast, posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The allegations include rape, sexual assault, and controlling and emotionally abusive behaviour.”
Exclusive: Russell Brand denies accusations of rape, sexual assault and controlling and emotionally abusive behaviour.
Five women share their...
- 9/17/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Russell Brand was dropped by his agent Saturday following the accusations of rape and sexual assault against the actor-comedian in a new investigative report.
Among the claims against Brand include an alleged three-month relationship with a then-16-year-old girl. According to the joint The Times UK and Channel 4’s Dispatches report, Brand was “emotionally and sexually abusive” during their time together, and one point “forced his penis down her throat,” causing her to choke. She also claimed that Brand — who referred to her as “the child” — asked her to...
Among the claims against Brand include an alleged three-month relationship with a then-16-year-old girl. According to the joint The Times UK and Channel 4’s Dispatches report, Brand was “emotionally and sexually abusive” during their time together, and one point “forced his penis down her throat,” causing her to choke. She also claimed that Brand — who referred to her as “the child” — asked her to...
- 9/17/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Hours after Russell Brand issued a blanket denial of “very, very serious criminal allegations” that he claimed were about to surface, the Sunday Times is reporting that several women are accusing the British comedian of “rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse.”
As the Times reports, its joint investigation with Channel 4’s “Dispatches” (which will air a 90-minute documentary focusing on the allegations on Saturday night in the U.K.) details the blockbuster allegations.
“Five women, four of whom asked to remain anonymous, agreed to share their stories of serious sexual allegations in the program,” a “Dispatches” rep told the Times.
Read More: Russell Brand Denies ‘Very, Very Serious Criminal Allegations’ About His ‘Promiscuous’ Past
According to Times, Brand is being accused of sexual assault by four women, during a time period ranging from 2006 until 2013; Brand was married to pop superstar Katy Perry from 2010 until 2012.
One alleged victim claimed that...
As the Times reports, its joint investigation with Channel 4’s “Dispatches” (which will air a 90-minute documentary focusing on the allegations on Saturday night in the U.K.) details the blockbuster allegations.
“Five women, four of whom asked to remain anonymous, agreed to share their stories of serious sexual allegations in the program,” a “Dispatches” rep told the Times.
Read More: Russell Brand Denies ‘Very, Very Serious Criminal Allegations’ About His ‘Promiscuous’ Past
According to Times, Brand is being accused of sexual assault by four women, during a time period ranging from 2006 until 2013; Brand was married to pop superstar Katy Perry from 2010 until 2012.
One alleged victim claimed that...
- 9/16/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Multiple women allege that actor and comedian Russell Brand, 48, sexually assaulted them between 2006 and 2013, according to an investigation by Britain’s Channel 4 and newspapers The Times and The Sunday Times.
It was during this period that Brand’s international popularity exploded with his role in 2008’s “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and 2010’s “Get Him to the Greek.” The latter portion of these years is when he was married to singer Katy Perry, from 2010 until their 2012 divorce.
Brand attempted to get ahead of the publication of the story on Friday by releasing a video denying some of the allegations, but admitting to having what he described as a period of promiscuity in his past. He’s regularly talked about having a sex addiction. Brand said that his relationships have all been consensual.
The allegations also include that Brand exhibited “controlling, abusive and predatory behavior,” according to the Times. The women do not know each other.
It was during this period that Brand’s international popularity exploded with his role in 2008’s “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and 2010’s “Get Him to the Greek.” The latter portion of these years is when he was married to singer Katy Perry, from 2010 until their 2012 divorce.
Brand attempted to get ahead of the publication of the story on Friday by releasing a video denying some of the allegations, but admitting to having what he described as a period of promiscuity in his past. He’s regularly talked about having a sex addiction. Brand said that his relationships have all been consensual.
The allegations also include that Brand exhibited “controlling, abusive and predatory behavior,” according to the Times. The women do not know each other.
- 9/16/2023
- by Mike Roe
- The Wrap
Four women — including one who was just 16 at the time — have accused actor-comedian Russell Brand of sexual assault and rape in a new report.
The allegations against Brand were brought forth in both an article by The Times UK as well as an episode of the Channel 4 investigative show Dispatches that is set to air Saturday night in the U.K.
The accusations span a seven-year period from 2006 to 2013, during which time Brand was married to singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
Among the most serious allegations involves a woman...
The allegations against Brand were brought forth in both an article by The Times UK as well as an episode of the Channel 4 investigative show Dispatches that is set to air Saturday night in the U.K.
The accusations span a seven-year period from 2006 to 2013, during which time Brand was married to singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
Among the most serious allegations involves a woman...
- 9/16/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Russell Brand is vehemently denying what he’s describing as “very, very serious criminal allegations” against him — that haven’t yet been made public.
On Friday, the British comedian posted a video on his YouTube channel to issue a pre-emptive denial of accusations against him that he says will be surfacing soon.
“What I seriously refute are these very, very, serious criminal allegations.”
“I’ve received two extremely disturbing letters — or a letter and an email — one from a mainstream media TV company, one from a newspaper, listing a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks, as well as some pretty stupid stuff, like my community festival should be stopped, that I shouldn’t be able to attack mainstream media narratives on this channel,” he said.
“But amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks, are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute,” Brand continued.
Read More: Russell Brand...
On Friday, the British comedian posted a video on his YouTube channel to issue a pre-emptive denial of accusations against him that he says will be surfacing soon.
“What I seriously refute are these very, very, serious criminal allegations.”
“I’ve received two extremely disturbing letters — or a letter and an email — one from a mainstream media TV company, one from a newspaper, listing a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks, as well as some pretty stupid stuff, like my community festival should be stopped, that I shouldn’t be able to attack mainstream media narratives on this channel,” he said.
“But amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks, are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute,” Brand continued.
Read More: Russell Brand...
- 9/16/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Russell Brand has been accused of “rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse” in a new report by The Sunday Times of London.
The joint investigation with The Times of London and Channel 4’s documentary team “Dispatches” published on Saturday afternoon in the U.K. “Dispatches” will air its 90-minute documentary on the allegations on Saturday evening on U.K. network Channel 4. “Five women, four of whom asked to remain anonymous, agreed to share their stories of serious sexual allegations in the program,” said a rep for the show.
According to The Sunday Times, the British comedian, who originally found fame as a host on MTV U.K. before starring in Hollywood films such as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek,” has been accused of sexual assault by four women between 2006 and 2013.
He was married to singer Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.
The newspaper reported that one alleged victim...
The joint investigation with The Times of London and Channel 4’s documentary team “Dispatches” published on Saturday afternoon in the U.K. “Dispatches” will air its 90-minute documentary on the allegations on Saturday evening on U.K. network Channel 4. “Five women, four of whom asked to remain anonymous, agreed to share their stories of serious sexual allegations in the program,” said a rep for the show.
According to The Sunday Times, the British comedian, who originally found fame as a host on MTV U.K. before starring in Hollywood films such as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek,” has been accused of sexual assault by four women between 2006 and 2013.
He was married to singer Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.
The newspaper reported that one alleged victim...
- 9/16/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Lenny Henry’s “Three Little Birds,” Steven Knight’s “This Town” and a first look at “The Summit,” billed as a blockbuster adventure reality series, look like just three highlights of Banijay Rights extensive and wide-ranging lineup at what promises to be one of the biggest presentations at this week’s London TV Screenings.
Further scripted titles will take in “This Town” and “The Sixth Commandment” for the BBC, “Domina” for MGM+ and Sky, and “Safe Home” for Sbs, as well as doc feature “Lara.”
Given the iconic talent behind some titles – “It’s a Sin’s” Russell T. Davies serves as an executive producer on “Three Little Birds – scripted is likely to command large buyer attention.
Beyond “The Summit,” unscripted titles take in a strong line in dating and relationship shows, “Love Triangle,” “Date My Mate” and “Save the Date” as well as new interior design competition “The Big Interiors Battle,...
Further scripted titles will take in “This Town” and “The Sixth Commandment” for the BBC, “Domina” for MGM+ and Sky, and “Safe Home” for Sbs, as well as doc feature “Lara.”
Given the iconic talent behind some titles – “It’s a Sin’s” Russell T. Davies serves as an executive producer on “Three Little Birds – scripted is likely to command large buyer attention.
Beyond “The Summit,” unscripted titles take in a strong line in dating and relationship shows, “Love Triangle,” “Date My Mate” and “Save the Date” as well as new interior design competition “The Big Interiors Battle,...
- 2/28/2023
- by John Hopewell and Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Bruce Campbell (Ash vs. Evil Dead), Devon Sawa (Final Destination) and Michael Jai White (Spawn) have joined the cast of director Casey Tebo’s Black Friday. Set on the busiest shopping night of the year, Black Friday, the story follows a group of disgruntled toy store employees who have to defend themselves from legions of holiday shoppers when a mysterious alien parasite sends them on a murderous rampage. Cast also features Ivana Baquero, Ryan Lee, and Stephen Peck. Warner Davis of the Warner Davis Company produces alongside Mfw Productions. Andy Greskoviak wrote the script. Pic shoots November 16 in Boston.
Rogo Productions, the London-based indie production company, has named Howard Cohen and Natalie Hill join as Co-Creative Directors. Cohen’s work as a producer includes Sky’s Play Your Pets Right, BBC’s Impractical Jokers, Stacey Dooley Investigates for BBC3, Unrighteous for Dave, and two episodes of Sky’s scripted Urban Myths series.
Rogo Productions, the London-based indie production company, has named Howard Cohen and Natalie Hill join as Co-Creative Directors. Cohen’s work as a producer includes Sky’s Play Your Pets Right, BBC’s Impractical Jokers, Stacey Dooley Investigates for BBC3, Unrighteous for Dave, and two episodes of Sky’s scripted Urban Myths series.
- 11/17/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Eve Lindley enjoys puzzles, so you can imagine her delight at finding out that she was recently a crossword puzzle clue. The breakout star of AMC’s Dispatches From Elsewhere sat down with me to talk about why she loves auditioning, her belief that “it’s all in the text,” how picking the brain of Jason Segel (creator and star of Dispatches) helped her find her character, and much more! Plus we get deep about hopes and hurts as we gaze at the New York City skyline. Back To One can be found […]...
- 7/7/2020
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Eve Lindley enjoys puzzles, so you can imagine her delight at finding out that she was recently a crossword puzzle clue. The breakout star of AMC’s Dispatches From Elsewhere sat down with me to talk about why she loves auditioning, her belief that “it’s all in the text,” how picking the brain of Jason Segel (creator and star of Dispatches) helped her find her character, and much more! Plus we get deep about hopes and hurts as we gaze at the New York City skyline. Back To One can be found […]...
- 7/7/2020
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
(Warning: This post contains major spoilers for the finale of “Dispatches From Elsewhere.”)
As the spooky, surprise-filled ride that was Jason Segel’s “Dispatches From Elsewhere” came to an end for viewers last month with a finale that actually incorporated some of those viewers. The final moments of the AMC series closed with a compilation of more than 100 self-recorded videos featuring people saying a crucial line from the show: “I am [insert name here], and I am you.”
Now the way Segel and the “Dispatches” team got these clips — made by people who did not originally know that they were going to be used in the show — was in true “Dispatches” fashion: through an alternate reality game (Arg).
“From when the show was greenlit, Jason already had this in his head that he wanted to sort of share the experience that he had when he came up with the show when he first encountered this game,...
As the spooky, surprise-filled ride that was Jason Segel’s “Dispatches From Elsewhere” came to an end for viewers last month with a finale that actually incorporated some of those viewers. The final moments of the AMC series closed with a compilation of more than 100 self-recorded videos featuring people saying a crucial line from the show: “I am [insert name here], and I am you.”
Now the way Segel and the “Dispatches” team got these clips — made by people who did not originally know that they were going to be used in the show — was in true “Dispatches” fashion: through an alternate reality game (Arg).
“From when the show was greenlit, Jason already had this in his head that he wanted to sort of share the experience that he had when he came up with the show when he first encountered this game,...
- 5/11/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
How Jason Segel Reconciled 2 Parts of Himself With That Very Meta ‘Dispatches From Elsewhere’ Finale
(Warning: This post contains major spoilers for the “Dispatches From Elsewhere” finale.)
Jason Segel ended up quite literally becoming himself with the final “spooky and surprises”-filled episode of his AMC limited series “Dispatches From Elsewhere.”
During the trippy drama’s finale, which aired Monday, Segel was no longer playing Peter — the character we’d come to know and love over the first nine episodes — but portraying a very true-to-real-life version of himself, an actor fans have come to know and love over the last two decades.
This transformation from Peter to Jason happened via a young Clown Boy who came to lead Peter away from “Team Blue” — comprised of his girlfriend Simone (Eve Lindley) and good friends Janice (Sally Field) and Fredwynn (Andre Benjamin) — to give viewers yet another big reveal in a show that’s been packed with twists from the start: the story you’ve been watching...
Jason Segel ended up quite literally becoming himself with the final “spooky and surprises”-filled episode of his AMC limited series “Dispatches From Elsewhere.”
During the trippy drama’s finale, which aired Monday, Segel was no longer playing Peter — the character we’d come to know and love over the first nine episodes — but portraying a very true-to-real-life version of himself, an actor fans have come to know and love over the last two decades.
This transformation from Peter to Jason happened via a young Clown Boy who came to lead Peter away from “Team Blue” — comprised of his girlfriend Simone (Eve Lindley) and good friends Janice (Sally Field) and Fredwynn (Andre Benjamin) — to give viewers yet another big reveal in a show that’s been packed with twists from the start: the story you’ve been watching...
- 4/28/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Dorothy Byrne is to step down as head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, taking on a specially created role of editor-at-large for the U.K. broadcaster.
A hugely admired executive, Byrne’s decision comes less than a year since she delivered an acclaimed and much-talked about MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival where she attacked TV industry sexism, lambasted politicians for lying, and stressed the role TV must play in preserving democracy.
Her department has also been responsible for documentaries including “Leaving Neverland,” the investigation into Michael Jackson, as well Oscar nominated Syrian war doc “For Sama.”
In her new role, which she will take on for a year from May 1, Byrne will work with C4 on a number of projects including developing a factual podcast strategy and helping to shape and implement a new sustainability strategy. She will also help mentor and develop staff across the organization.
A hugely admired executive, Byrne’s decision comes less than a year since she delivered an acclaimed and much-talked about MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival where she attacked TV industry sexism, lambasted politicians for lying, and stressed the role TV must play in preserving democracy.
Her department has also been responsible for documentaries including “Leaving Neverland,” the investigation into Michael Jackson, as well Oscar nominated Syrian war doc “For Sama.”
In her new role, which she will take on for a year from May 1, Byrne will work with C4 on a number of projects including developing a factual podcast strategy and helping to shape and implement a new sustainability strategy. She will also help mentor and develop staff across the organization.
- 3/9/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Vulture Watch
Can this show survive the harsh reality of ratings? Has the Dispatches from Elsewhere TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on AMC? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Dispatches from Elsewhere, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
Airing on the AMC cable channel, the first season of Dispatches from Elsewhere stars Jason Segel, Sally Field, Richard E. Grant, André Benjamin, and Eve Lindley. The show revolves around four ordinary people who each feel that there’s something missing in their lives, but they can’t understand what it is. They are Fredwynn (Benjamin), an obsessive conspiracy theorist; a former homemaker named Janice (Field);...
Can this show survive the harsh reality of ratings? Has the Dispatches from Elsewhere TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on AMC? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Dispatches from Elsewhere, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
Airing on the AMC cable channel, the first season of Dispatches from Elsewhere stars Jason Segel, Sally Field, Richard E. Grant, André Benjamin, and Eve Lindley. The show revolves around four ordinary people who each feel that there’s something missing in their lives, but they can’t understand what it is. They are Fredwynn (Benjamin), an obsessive conspiracy theorist; a former homemaker named Janice (Field);...
- 3/3/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Fiction may be stranger than truth in “Dispatches from Elsewhere,” the new anthology series inspired by a true story that premiered on March 1 on AMC. It was created by “How I Met Your Mother” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” star Jason Segel, who wrote and directed the pilot episode and stars as a man who becomes entangled in a mysterious game that may just be a prank, but may be more than it seems. Does this dramatic turn from the usually comedic actor and writer appeal to critics?
SEEJump into today for your 1st Emmy Awards 2020 nominations predictions
Reviewers got the first four episodes, and as of this writing it has a MetaCritic score of 69 based on 10 reviews counted thus far: six positive and four somewhat mixed, but none outright negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, which rates reviews as simply positive or negative, the series is 75% fresh, but that’s based on only eight reviews,...
SEEJump into today for your 1st Emmy Awards 2020 nominations predictions
Reviewers got the first four episodes, and as of this writing it has a MetaCritic score of 69 based on 10 reviews counted thus far: six positive and four somewhat mixed, but none outright negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, which rates reviews as simply positive or negative, the series is 75% fresh, but that’s based on only eight reviews,...
- 3/2/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
You know those days when you step out the door and it feels like the humidity has slapped you across the face, just in case there was any doubt how hot it was outside? That’s exactly how the quirkiness of AMC’s new series Dispatches From Elsewhere hits you.
From the opening scene — a static shot of character actor Richard E. Grant, clad in a green checked jacket and black turtleneck, seated in front of an orange wall, staring at us in the audience for an eternity, before announcing,...
From the opening scene — a static shot of character actor Richard E. Grant, clad in a green checked jacket and black turtleneck, seated in front of an orange wall, staring at us in the audience for an eternity, before announcing,...
- 2/27/2020
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
George Clooney says he is "surprised and saddened" by an investigation that revealed child labor at coffee farms allegedly linked to Nespresso, of which he has long served as a celebrity spokesmodel. On March 2, Britain's Channel 4 plans to air an episode of its documentary series Dispatches based on what it says are reports and footage of children working on six farms in Guatemala that allegedly supply coffee beans to the Nestle-owned company. "Having grown up working on a tobacco farm from the time I was 12, I'm uniquely aware of the complex issues regarding farming and child labor," Clooney said in a statement this week. "That's why I joined the...
- 2/26/2020
- E! Online
It didn’t take long for Nespresso brand ambassador George Clooney to come forward to address the investigation that linked the coffee brand to child labor at their farms.
The news about Nespresso was uncovered by the British program Dispatches on Channel 4 which is known for investigating issues about society, politics, health, international current affairs and the environment. Clooney said he was “surprised and saddened” to read the story which was reported by Dispatches’ Anthony Barnett. They were given access to farms in Guatemala which is the world’s 10th largest coffee producer. After given access to some of the remote farms, reports said they saw children working. However, Nespresso claims they receive all their beans ethically.
“Having grown up working on a tobacco farm from the time I was 12 I’m uniquely aware of the complex issues regarding farming and child labor,” said Clooney in a statement given to Deadline.
The news about Nespresso was uncovered by the British program Dispatches on Channel 4 which is known for investigating issues about society, politics, health, international current affairs and the environment. Clooney said he was “surprised and saddened” to read the story which was reported by Dispatches’ Anthony Barnett. They were given access to farms in Guatemala which is the world’s 10th largest coffee producer. After given access to some of the remote farms, reports said they saw children working. However, Nespresso claims they receive all their beans ethically.
“Having grown up working on a tobacco farm from the time I was 12 I’m uniquely aware of the complex issues regarding farming and child labor,” said Clooney in a statement given to Deadline.
- 2/26/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.