If you read any of the Sunday papers yesterday, there was one explosive story that dominated the front pages across the board.
Saturday night saw Channel 4 show 'Dispatches' air a special titled 'Russell Brand: In Plain Sight' that saw serious allegations of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse being levelled at former comedian and now wellness influencer Russell Brand.
Yesterday's Sunday Times also published details of the four-year-long investigation (conducted together with the 'Dispatches' team), which involved several women alleging abuse and controlling behaviour by brand between 2006 and 2013. One of the women was 16 at the time of the alleged abuse.
Although Brand refuted the allegations in a video posted online and claimed all relationships and encounters were consensual, both the BBC and Channel 4 have said that they have opened investigations into the matter. Production company Banijay UK (which produced 'Big Brother' under its Endemol division) has also launched an investigation.
The BBC, who employed Brand as a radio presenter between 2006 and 2008, said it was "urgently looking into the issues raised", while Channel 4 is conducting "its own internal investigation", adding "We will be writing 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." Brand hosted shows including 'Big Brother's Little Brother' for the station.
The Times, meanwhile, said that more women have come forward with claims against Brand since the story was published yesterday, and their stories "will now be rigorously checked".
The Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, issued a statement saying: "We are aware of media reporting of a series of allegations of sexual assault. At this time, we have not received any reports in relation to this.
"If anyone believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, we would encourage them to contact police.
"We spoke with The Sunday Times on Saturday 16 September. We will be making further approaches to The Sunday Times and Channel 4 to ensure that any victims of crime who they have spoken with are aware of how they may report any criminal allegations to police."
In the meantime, a women's charity has cut ties with Brand, while Elon Musk and infamous self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate - who is currently awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women in Romania - were amongst those who appeared to express support for Brand on social media.
