Jonathan Ross Responds to Walliams Allegations and Brand Conviction

Television personality Jonathan Ross has publicly declared he is horrified by the sexual misconduct allegations currently leveled against David Walliams and the recent rape conviction of Russell Brand. In a formal statement, Ross noted that while he was previously on friendly terms with both men, he was genuinely unaware of their conduct at the time. The grandfather of Georgina Baillie with whom Brand was in a consensual relationship in the mid-2000s, during a Radio 2 broadcast, ross and Brand were also widely criticised for leaving lewd voicemails for Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.

Reports published by ITV News and The Guardian allege that Walliams has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women.

The performer has denied all allegations brought against him. Had I had any reason to suspect that it might be referring to actual events, I would not only have refused to use it, but I would not have felt comfortable continuing a personal or professional relationship with him.

Meanwhile, Russell Brand was sentenced on Monday to 10-and-a-half years in prison for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that several individuals have come forward with information regarding the disgraced star following his sentencing.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the situation on Tuesday, describing the accusations against Walliams as the latest in a recurring pattern of power abuse within the media industry.

She emphasized that persistent power imbalances have long been a concern, noting, “Women must feel safe in their jobs, whistleblowers must be protected, and those who abuse their position must no longer be able to hide behind it.”

Ross, a prominent figure in British television, has hosted both men numerous times on his programs. He stated that he shares the nation’s horror regarding the revelations and expressed his support for the many women who have courageously come forward. Reflecting on the systemic issues, Nandy added that Brand’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the heavy price women pay when choosing to speak out. Russell Brand’s eventual conviction was a stark reminder that we are still far too reliant on the courage of brave women who choose to come forward despite knowing they will pay a heavy price and may not be believed – and a handful of persistent journalists who risk everything to tell their stories.

Key Context and Previous Controversies

• 2004 Awards Joke: Ross acknowledged a tasteless joke he made at a comedy awards ceremony, which contained a punchline suggesting Walliams would return home with a 15-year-old. Ross stated the script was provided by the comedy team and he believed it referenced Walliams’ habit of dating younger women. He claimed that had he suspected it referred to real events, he would have refused the line and distanced himself professionally.
• Sachs Incident: Ross and Brand faced significant public criticism for leaving offensive voicemails for actor Andrew Sachs during a Radio 2 broadcast, a segment related to Brand’s then-relationship with Sachs’ granddaughter, Georgina Baillie.

Ross was captured in photos with Walliams as recently as 2005, and he appeared in the same event featured in an ITV documentary alongside a woman who later accused Walliams of misconduct. Support services for those affected by the issues mentioned in this report are available through Action Line. According to watch: TV agent, No action was taken after he reported alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by David Walliams.