Irish Examiner view: Yet another former star faces allegations of predatory behaviour

Russell Brand has dismissed accusations aired in Channel 4's Dispatches, assertions that will be held up to scrutiny in the weeks and months ahead

Russell Brand in 2007 before he lost his BBC Radio 2 show after a broadcast in which he mocked Andrew Sachs, telling him he had had sex with the retired actor's 23-year-old granddaughter. Picture: Radio X/PA

The allegations against comic and media personality Russell Brand embroil his country’s national broadcaster and leading commercial company Channel 4 in defending themselves over exactly what they knew, and when, about the behaviour and reputation of someone they employed in various capacities since 2006.

Brand, 48, from Grays on the Essex marshes, fell into the category of what programme-makers like to call “the talent”, until they tired of his garrulous and “edgy” routines.