A WOMAN yesterday accused Russell Brand of exposing himself to her in 2008, the latest in a series of accusations against the British actor and comedian.

The woman told the BBC she was working in the same building as the BBC in Los Angeles when the incident occurred, and that Brand went on to laugh about it moments later on his radio show. 

She did not make a complaint but BBC management was told about the incident in 2019, although no formal action was taken.

“I feel ashamed, but more so, I wonder had something been done, perhaps there would have been fewer women he would have done horrible things to, which we’re reading about in the papers now,” she told the broadcaster.

A joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4 television on Saturday published claims from four women of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse against Brand.

Brand, 48, denies the allegations, which are said to have taken place between 2006 and 2013, saying his relationships have always been “consensual”, even during a period when he admitted being “very, very promiscuous”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman called the allegations “very serious and concerning”, adding the leader “has been clear there should never be any space for harassment, regardless of where it is found”.

Brand’s publisher Bluebird announced that “all future publishing” with the comedian had been put on hold while video sharing platform YouTube has also demonetised his content. – AFP, September 22, 2023.