TV producer asked to 'step back' after claims he laughed during Russell Brand sex assault

A former member of Russell Brand’s entourage has been asked to “step back” from his role at an award-winning TV production company in London following allegations made against him during Brand’s high-profile trial.

Jack Bayles, head of comedy at Various Artists Limited, will no longer work on two sitcoms the firm was producing for the BBC.

Brand, 51, was found guilty of one rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday at Southwark Crown Court. His sentence is set to be handed down on Monday.

The convicted comedian rose to fame in the mid-2000s, quickly becoming one of Britain’s best-known celebrities. Brand appeared across multiple TV channels, hosting television awards, starring in hit movies, and featuring in panel shows.

Jack Bayles was accused of laughing during a sexual assault committed by Russell Brand

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Since the guilty verdict was delivered, multiple TV executives and broadcasters have come under fire, with charities and public figures accusing them of facilitating a toxic work culture.

During his trial, Mr Bayles was named as one member of Brand’s entourage who allegedly failed to intervene during a sexual assault.

The BAFTA-award winning producer has been involved in programmes on the BBC such as Push, and also produced the Channel 4 sitcom Catastrophe.

The court heard that a young female staffer was forced by Mr Bayles and another producer, Gareth Roy to give Brand a massage in 2009 while recording a new project for Channel 4.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand arrive at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)

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Russell Brand worked for the BBC and Channel 4 (Ian West/PA)

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When she reluctantly agreed, Brand thrust his head into her groin and only got up again when apparently insulted that she had commented on his “bony body”, the court heard.

She told the jury: “I was so repulsed by the situation.”

The victim complained afterwards to her Channel 4 bosses.

A statement from Various Artists Limited said: “We have asked Jack Bayles to step back from the company while we consider the verdict and events surrounding the trial.

“Our thoughts, though, are primarily with every one of Brand’s victims at this time.”

Mr Bayles (far right) after winning a BAFTA for Scripted Comedy in 2024 for ‘Such Brave Girls’

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Mr Bayles told The Times in a statement: “I am appalled and sickened by Brand’s actions and have co-operated fully and voluntarily with the investigation and endeavoured to assist as best I can.

“However, I do not remember the incident that took place 17 years ago in 2009.

“But I acknowledge that I clearly missed something at the time and did not see nor recognise that it caused distress. For that I am sincerely sorry.

“At the time of the offence, I was in the early stages of my career, and it was a frantic, pressured and toxic working environment.

“Brand was chaotic, dismissive and manipulated the people around him.

“It was due to that, that I made the decision to stop working with him in 2010 and have not had any contact with him since.

“During my time working with Brand, no complaints were made to me about his behaviour, and I am unaware if any were raised to anyone else more senior to me.

“I would never willingly or proactively wish to make anyone feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unsupported at work.

“If I was ever present when Brand acted inappropriately and I failed to spot it and step in, then I sincerely apologise.”