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Dispatches editor recounts joint investigation that exposed Brand allegations

Alistair Jackson tells Prime Time how reporters moved from industry rumours to women's testimony, reflecting on their courage after the verdict.

Channel: RTÉ News ·

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Russell Brand found guilty: The investigation behind the story | Prime Time

Things we can learn from the video

Press to jump

0:00Coughlan reports Brand's conviction for rape and three sexual assaults, with bail refused.
0:44Jackson explains why Dispatches partnered with The Times and The Sunday Times to investigate.
1:30Four women agreed to share their experiences for the broadcast and newspaper reports, Jackson says.
3:51The interview examines the defence's argument that media coverage affected the accusers' memories.
5:12Jackson reflects on the verdict and the courage of the women who gave evidence in court.
5:44O'Callaghan directs viewers to helpline support services.

Several reporters were pursuing rumours about Russell Brand in the television industry. Rather than continue separately, Channel 4's Dispatches joined forces with The Times and The Sunday Times, investigations editor Alistair Jackson tells Ireland's public broadcaster RTÉ News.

The Prime Time interview looks back at the reporting behind the 2023 documentary "Russell Brand: In Plain Sight", following the comedian and actor's conviction. Presenter Mark Coughlan reports that Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, was refused bail and is spending his first night in prison.

Jackson describes the distance between hearing rumours and establishing evidence. The joint investigation gathered testimony from four women who agreed to tell their experiences of rape and sexual assault for the television and newspaper reports.

"We decided to partner with those organizations to do a joint investigation," he says.

Coughlan asks about the bravery required to speak publicly about an influential celebrity. Jackson also describes Brand's reinvention in alternative online media, where he built a loyal audience while attacking mainstream outlets. "He was a master of reinvention," Jackson says.

The discussion addresses the defence argument that the journalism had "poisoned the well" and affected the accusers' memories. That is presented as the defence's contention, not an established explanation of the testimony.

Reflecting on the jury's verdict, Jackson pays tribute to the courage of the women who came forward in court. Miriam O'Callaghan closes the segment by directing viewers to support services.