Russell Brand: What is Sachsgate? Prank call explained

The allegations come following an investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times.

On Saturday, September 16, The Times published an article detailing the accusations before Dispatches aired Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.

Before it was confirmed that the Channel 4 show would focus on Brand, the comedian posted a video denying the claims on his X account.

During the Dispatches special, there was mention of Brand’s behaviour with a focus on the infamous ‘Sachsgate’.

???? EXCLUSIVE: Russell Brand has been accused of rape and sexual assaults by women who have broken their silence on alleged attacks between 2006 and 2013

This is a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and @C4Dispatches

✍️@RosamundUrwin@char_wace@pmorganbentley

— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) September 16, 2023

What is Sachsgate?

Whilst hosting his BBC Radio 2 show, The Russell Brand Show in 2008, the comedian alongside guest Jonathan Ross called the late Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs.

During the prank call, the pair left the actor a thread of inappropriate messages including how Brand had a relationship with Sachs granddaughter, Georgina Baillie.

The pre-recorded show was broadcast and saw an influx of complaints with the BBC receiving more than 4,700 complaints.

Following the prank call to Sachs, Brand quit BBC Radio 2 along with the then controller Lesley Douglas, whilst Ross was suspended from broadcasting for three months.

Brand and Ross apologised to listeners and Sachs, whilst the BBC was fined £15,000 by Ofcom.

After the incident, Sachs shared the effect the broadcasted prank call had on his family: “For all my family, the unpleasant incident that hit the headlines in October 2008 was hugely distressing,” he wrote.

“Their lewd banter was deeply hurtful for me, my wife, our daughter and our granddaughter. It not only caused pain but huge stress to the family.”