By Basant El-Faramawy
TV producer Jack Bayles has been asked to step back from his role at independent production company Various Artists Limited (VAL) while the company reviews the verdict and events surrounding Russell Brand’s recent criminal trial.
Producer asked to step back
VAL, which produces the BBC sitcoms Such Brave Girls and Push, said on Thursday that Bayles, its head of comedy, would no longer work on those shows. The decision follows Brand’s conviction at Southwark Crown Court for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his entertainment career.
Bayles denies remembering incident
During the trial, Bayles was accused of watching and laughing while Brand sexually assaulted a woman in 2009. Bayles told The Times he does not remember the alleged incident, which occurred 17 years ago. He said he was appalled by Brand’s actions and had cooperated fully with the investigation. Bayles added that he stopped working with Brand in 2010 and had no contact since.
Brand convicted of rape and assault
A jury found Brand, 51, guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving six women who testified. He was cleared of two further rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. The court heard Brand used his fame to pursue women, ignoring pleas to stop.
Previous complaints and Channel 4 project
The trial detailed a 2009 incident during a Channel 4 recording where Bayles and another team member allegedly pressured a female staffer to give Brand a massage. The woman said she later complained to Channel 4 executives. Brand was convicted of sexually assaulting her during that project.
