Television Producer Jack Bayles Steps Back From Production Company After Russell Brand Guilty Verdict
Following the conviction of Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court, television producer Jack Bayles has stepped back from his role as head of comedy at Various Artists Limited (VAL). Bayles, who joined the independent production company, founded in 2017 by Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, as head of comedy, was named during the trial in connection with an incident from 2009.
According to evidence presented in court and reported by The Times, Bayles and another member of Brand’s entourage, Gareth Roy, demanded that a Channel 4 employee give the comedian a massage while on a shoot. The trial heard that Bayles and Roy watched and laughed while Brand put his head in the woman’s groin area. The victim complained to her workplace manager the following day, and her manager subsequently gave evidence during the legal proceedings.
In the wake of Thursday’s verdict, which saw Brand found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, VAL issued a public statement addressing Bayles’ involvement. “We have asked Jack Bayles to step back from the company whilst we consider the verdict and events surrounding the trial,” a representative for VAL stated, adding that the company’s thoughts are primarily with Brand’s victims. VAL also said Bayles will no longer work on the two BBC sitcoms the business was making, Such Brave Girls and Push.
Statement and Apology From The Producer
In a statement issued to The Times, Bayles expressed shock at the comedian’s actions while addressing his own presence during the 2009 incident. “I am appalled and sickened by Brand’s actions and have co-operated fully and voluntarily with the investigation and endeavoured to assist as best I can,” Bayles said. He noted that he does not remember the specific incident from 17 years ago, acknowledging that he “clearly missed something at the time and did not see nor recognise that it caused distress.”
Producer accused of laughing during Russell Brand sex assault is asked to step back from his role Jack Bayles, head of comedy at independent TV production company Various Artists Ltd, will no longer work on two sitcoms the business was making for the BBC https://t.co/exA4gGlUas
Bayles described his early career environment as frantic, pressured, and toxic, characterizing Brand as chaotic, dismissive, and manipulative. He stated that he chose to stop working with Brand in 2010 and has had no contact with him since. “If I was ever present when Brand acted inappropriately and I failed to spot it and step in, then I sincerely apologise,” Bayles added.
Jury Convicts Entertainer of Rape and Sexual Assault
Brand’s conviction concludes a high-profile trial at Southwark Crown Court where six women testified against the 51-year-old entertainer. The jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, while clearing him of two further rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. The court heard how Brand used his fame as a stand-up comedian, radio host, and Hollywood actor to target women.
Bayles previously worked as a Channel 4 commissioning editor appointed in 2017 and produced the sitcom Catastrophe alongside Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney before taking on his leadership role at VAL.
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