Culture Secretary comment on BBC Russell Brand report

Statement from the Culture Secretary on the BBC's report on Russell Brand.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The complaints against Russell Brand set out in this report are horrendous. As is the fact that staff felt unable to raise concerns because they did not think that they would be believed or taken seriously.

“I commend those who bravely came forward to share their appalling experiences. The BBC must now reflect on the conclusions and take action to reassure its staff and the wider public that it takes these issues seriously.

"For too long, there has been a culture of silence in the media industry where inappropriate behaviour like Brand's has been tolerated or downplayed. Power imbalances and a perception that certain stars cannot be challenged are sadly not unique to this case. The BBC, and the wider industry, must now urgently consider what more they can do to make sure that abuse and harassment by anyone, no matter who they are, is not tolerated in any of their workplaces.”