Ofcom plan investigation into Brand prank call
Ofcom to Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross' telephone prank
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Tuesday, 28, Oct 2008 07:36
Media watchdog Ofcom has confirmed it is to investigate a controversial telephone prank played by BBC radio hosts Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross.
The presenters and the BBC have apologised to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs after Brand and Ross joked about having sex with Sachs' granddaughter during a pre-recorded show, broadcast on October 18th.
Sachs, 78, was said to be "very upset" by voicemails left by the pair, during Brand's Saturday evening programme on BBC Radio 2.
"Ofcom has launched an investigation into the Russell Brand show broadcast on BBC Radio 2," confirmed a spokesman for the regulator.
"All UK broadcasters must adhere to Ofcom's broadcasting code which sets standards for the content of television and radio broadcasting. It also deals with issues such as fairness and privacy."
He added: "Ofcom carries out investigations into possible breaches of the code to protect audiences and citizens from harm."
Prime minister Gordon Brown has also commented on the incident, claiming: "This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised.
"Ofcom have said they will investigate the matter and it is for the BBC, the BBC Trust and Ofcom to take any appropriate action."
On Monday a BBC spokeswoman said the station was sorry for the "unacceptable and offensive" behaviour.
"We have received a letter of a complaint from Mr Sachs' agent and would like to sincerely apologise to Mr Sachs for the offence caused," she said.
"We recognise that some of the content broadcast was unacceptable and offensive.
She added: "We are reviewing how this came about and are responding to Mr Sachs personally. We also apologise to listeners for any offence caused."
The voicemails were left after Sachs - who played Manuel in Fawlty Towers - did not answer his phone after being unable to appear on Brand's show.
In one message, Ross, 47, was heard shouting "he f****d your granddaughter" as Brand was leaving a message.
And in another Brand sang: "I said some things I didn't of oughta, like I had sex with your granddaughter, though it was consensual. It was lovely sex. It was full of respect."
Brand apologised for the remarks this weekend, a week after the incidents occurred.
"Sometimes, you mustn't swear on someone's answerphone and that's why I'd like to apologise personally," the 33-year-old said.
And Ross is understood to have a sent a personal apology to Sachs.