WHIFE OF PANIC

Bid to find who knew what on star's sexual abuse claims

- TOM BRYANTH

TV chiefs were last night in turmoil over lurid claims about Russell Brand as they urged others to come forward if they think they have been affected.

And two investigations by bosses have now been launched into a series of serious accusations of misconduct against the star.

They will also examine whether any allegations made against Brand, 48, were ignored by bosses.

It comes after The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 show Dispatches revealed claims he raped, sexually assaulted and emotionally abused women in the mid-2000s, which he denies.

One source said: "The reviews will look at what concerns were raised at the time, and crucially if they were acted on.

"There is more than a whiff of panic among certain quarters about what the probe could uncover, and if a blind eye was turned to aspects of Russell Brand's behaviour."

Police also said they are aware of the allegations.

The BBC and production firm Banijay UK, on behalf of Channel 4, are probing the claims against the presenter.

He has been accused of pursuing audience members for sex while presenting Big Brother spin-off shows EFourum and Big Brother's Big Mouth on Channel 4.

A researcher claimed concerns about Brand were reported to managers at Endemol, the company commissioned by Channel 4 to produce the shows in 2004 and 2005, but they were dismissed.