Russell Brand was sentenced to 10½ years in prison on Monday after a jury convicted him of rape and sexual assault.
The sentencing of the 51-year-old comedian follows a trial involving four of six accusers, while a separate wave of sexual misconduct allegations has emerged against fellow performer David Walliams.
The Verdict Against Brand
Brand had denied the accusations from the six women involved in the case. The Metropolitan Police confirmed he remains under investigation for at least two further rape allegations.
New Allegations Against Walliams
David Walliams, 55, now faces public allegations that he used his status to prey on young female fans, including teenagers. ITV News and the Guardian published detailed accounts from multiple women on Tuesday, including one claim that Walliams sexually assaulted a person at his house when she was 15.
Walliams, a children’s author and former judge on Britain’s Got Talent, has denied the allegations.
The comedian had previously sought a court injunction to prevent media outlets from identifying him in their reporting. A judge dismissed that bid last week, rejecting arguments from Walliams’ legal team that publication of the accounts would lead him to take his own life.
BBC Removes Little Britain Following Misconduct Allegations
The revelations have triggered a review of the comedians’ past work. On Tuesday, the BBC announced it is removing “Little Britain”—a sketch show featuring Walliams that has previously faced criticism for mocking marginalized groups—and other programs involving him from its platforms.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said that the industry must implement stronger policies to protect women. Officials are now summoning entertainment executives to address reported abuses of power. Nandy said that the allegations against Walliams are part of a long line of misconduct in an industry where power imbalances are known to be huge.
Comedian Jonathan Ross, who knew both men, addressed a 2004 video that recently resurfaced of him making a joke about Walliams. Ross described his past comment as a “tasteless joke” and said he did not suspect it referred to actual events.
Ross said he was genuinely unaware of their conduct. It is not yet known if further allegations against Walliams will surface or if police will launch a formal investigation into his conduct.
