Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie to speak about Ross-Brand row on Five (And other new Stories added to thread)

[Red Moon]

Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross could face prosecution after obscene on air phone calls to Fawlty Towers actor, 78The BBC could face prosecution over obscene phone calls that Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand made to 78-year-old Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.

The controversial presenters left a series of lewd messages on Mr Sachs’s answerphone claiming, in shockingly explicit language, that Brand had had sex with his granddaughter, Georgina.

Mr Sachs, who played waiter Manuel in the classic sitcom, was left deeply upset by the crude calls – which were also broadcast to about two million listeners to Brand’s Radio 2 show. And Georgina’s distraught mother, Kate, said last night: ‘It’s awful.’

Astonishingly, senior BBC executives cleared the offensive messages for broadcast, even though making abusive phone calls is a criminal offence.

Last night, the Corporation faced calls for disciplinary action to be taken against their highly-paid stars, with one Tory MP saying they had ‘overstepped the mark’.

Mr Sachs’s agent said his client had been ‘terribly hurt’ by the comments and had made a formal complaint to the BBC.

The calls about his granddaughter were made during an episode of Brand’s Saturday night Radio 2 programme, co-hosted by Ross to help publicise his new book.

Shortly before they contacted Mr Sachs for a pre-arranged telephone interview, Brand said: ‘In a minute we’re going to be talking to Andrew Sachs, Manuel actor. The elephant in the room is, what Andrew doesn’t know is, I’ve slept with his granddaughter.’

The comedian then rang Mr Sachs. When the veteran actor didn’t answer his telephone, Brand left a message during which Ross shouted ‘He ****** your granddaughter!’, generating raucous laughter from the studio.

Ross subsequently speculated that Brand had ‘enjoyed’ Georgina on a swing. The pair then decided to ring Mr Sachs again to apologise. When he repeatedly failed to answer, Ross and Brand left three further messages, making the situation worse.

During one message, Brand said: ‘I wore a condom.’ In another, which took the form of an impromptu song, Brand sang: ‘I’d like to apologise for the terrible attacks, Andrew Sachs . . . I said some things I didn’t of oughta, like I had sex with your granddaughter, though it was consensual . . . it was consensual lovely sex. It was full of respect, I sent her a text, I’ve asked her to marry me, Andrew Sachs.’

Ross could be heard singing quietly to himself: ‘Your granddaughter ...she was bent over the couch...’

Later in the programme Brand even joked about the idea that Mr Sachs might consider suicide as a result of their comments.

Imagining a news bulletin, he said: ‘The main news again. Manuel Andrew Sachs hung himself today...’

Brand’s show sometimes goes out live, but the offending episode was prerecorded to fit around Brand and Ross’s other commitments. According to the BBC, ‘a senior editorial figure signed off the programme, including its strong language, before it was broadcast’.

The show, which aired between 9pm and 11pm on October 18, remained on the BBC’s iPlayer website last week, where listeners could hear it again.

Ross, 47, and Brand, 33, are among the BBC’s highest-paid stars. Ross
is paid £6million a year for his TV chat show, Radio 2 show and film review programme, while Brand is thought to be paid a six-figure sum for his weekly radio show.

The pair, who are close friends, are notorious for their use of swear words and have courted controversy throughout their careers. In 2006 Ross caused a storm by asking Conservative leader David Cameron if he had ever had teenage sexual fantasies about former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ‘in stockings’ and referring to a lewd act.

Brand, who once dated Kate Moss, caused outrage in July for making a prank call to Northamptonshire Police, claiming he had spotted a sex attacker. And in 2006, he became embroiled in a public row with Rod Stewart after boasting at an awards ceremony that he had slept with the rocker’s daughter, Kimberly.

During the Radio 2 show in which they offended Mr Sachs, both men also discussed what it would be like to have sex with actress Helen Mirren.

Ross also appeared to breach the terms of his lucrative BBC contract by indicating his support for Labour. He said: ‘I like him [Gordon Brown]. If I could say where I’m going to vote, I’d vote for them. But I can’t say where I’m voting because I’m forbidden by my BBC contract.’

Mr Sachs, who was born in Germany but emigrated to Britain in 1938 to escape the Nazi persecution of Jews, still works regularly on TV and radio, including Radio 4’s spiritual programme Something Understood.

A spokesman for the actor said: ‘Andrew is deeply upset by this and terribly hurt. He can’t understand why it happened and was particularly sorry that they kept leaving messages on his answerphone.’

Last night, Kate said her 23-year-old daughter did not want to comment.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘Two complaints were received regarding Russell Brand’s show on October 18.’ But he would not reveal their content, saying that they were for ‘internal use’.

He added: ‘We are not aware of any complaint being made by
Mr Sachs.’

Anyone found guilty of making malicious or abusive phone calls can be fined or sentenced to up to six months in prison, although a Scotland Yard spokesman said there was no record of Mr Sachs filing a complaint.

Tory MP Philip Davies said: ‘I know Jonathan Ross has been handsomely rewarded by the BBC for being rude, inappropriate and as vile as possible, but I would hope that even the BBC would accept he’s overstepped the mark this time.

‘In any other walk of life, anyone who did this type of thing would face serious disciplinary proceedings.

I hope the BBC will consider what consequences there may be if they don’t take him to task for this.’

Last night, Brand, clearly worried about the listener backlash against his phone calls, made a sniggering, mealy-mouthed apology on his show.

He said: ‘It was quite funny, but sometimes you mustn’t swear on someone’s answerphone, and that’s why I’d like to apologise personally.’

But he then replayed the most offensive of last week’s calls, and said: ‘It might not be popular, with its barbershop style, but on the other hand I did rhyme “consensual” with “menstrual”.’

Brand’s spokesman said they had nothing to add to the BBC’s comments, while Jonathan Ross’s agent did not return calls.
Source: Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1080621/Russell-Brand-Jonathan-Ross-face-prosecution-obscene-air-phone-calls-Fawlty-Towers-actor-78.html)

[M X]

Omg. :shocked:

[Mrluvaluva]

Russell Brand in trouble again.

[Lauren]

Whenever you hear/see shows like this you always assume the person they rang at least had prior knowledge they were gonna be on the show?!

[Magic]

Hmm.. dont know what to think on this.
Was a bit harsh.

[MrCleversmith]

Originally posted by Magic
Hmm.. dont know what to think on this.
Was a bit harsh.

"Lets leave it to the cat to decide"

Cats have 9 lives.

Russell has 1 life.

*Oh dear*

*Look what th cat dragged in*

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/kefford/Andor.jpg

[noahman]

Leave russell and Jonathan alone

[MrCleversmith]

Originally posted by noahman
Leave russell and Jonathan alone

I doubt many will leave either of them alone while all this is going on.

They brought it on themselves.

Dont be too upset though, they will probably wriggle out of this one.

thats *2 worms*

[JOSHUAH!]

I think its scandalous how they are both paid like £10million pounds then they go and make phone calls which upset a 78 Year old man.

They should both be sacked, especially Jonathan Ross

[MrCleversmith]

Originally posted by JOSHUAH!
I think its scandalous how they are both paid like £10million pounds then they go and make phone calls which upset a 78 Year old man.

They should both be sacked, especially Jonathan Ross

Basil Fawlty should sort it out.

[Red Moon]

Brand and Ross suspended by BBCJonathan Ross and Russell Brand are to be suspended and all their shows taken off air until the BBC has investigated their prank calls made on Radio 2.

The news was announced in a statement by director general Mark Thompson.

Meanwhile, Georgina Baillie has told the Sun that Ross and Brand should be sacked over the calls made to her grandfather, actor Andrew Sachs.

Friday's edition of Ross's chat show, due to feature guests Frank Skinner and Miley Cyrus, has been cancelled.

Brand and Ross made a series of prank calls to Sachs, 78, famous for his part in Fawlty Towers. The calls were broadcast on Radio 2 as part of a Russell Brand's pre-recorded Saturday night show on 18 October.

During the calls, Ross swore and said Brand had slept with Sachs' granddaughter.

More than 18,000 people have complained to the BBC.

Mr Thompson said he would be returning from a holiday and would "in the coming days, announce what action we will take".

"Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue," he said.

"In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.

"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers."

He added his "own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast".

Meanwhile, Ms Baillie, 23, told the Sun the pair should "pay for what they've done with their jobs".

She said her grandfather was "really upset and says he wants the whole situation to end".

"What's funny about humiliating a lovely old man who has never harmed anyone in his life?" she added.

She said Brand and Ross were "beyond contempt".

"It was bad enough that they recorded these things on my grandfather's answer machine but astonishing the BBC saw fit to broadcast it when they could have stopped it.

"Someone high up at the BBC must have decided it was funny and suitable for national radio. They've shown an appalling lack of judgement."

On Tuesday afternoon, Sachs told the BBC that Ross had "personally delivered a letter of apology and some flowers" since the broadcast.

He has not "heard anything" from Brand, the actor added.

Conservative shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a speech to the London School of Economics on Wednesday that it was "wrong for broadcasters to produce programmes that legitimise negative social behaviour".

He told BBC News the corporation's reaction to the affair was "concerning".

"We still don't know who gave permission for that broadcast to go out.

"It looks like it broke the broadcasting code about not doing things that are offensive and not doing things that breach people's privacy."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also criticised the pair for their "inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour" on Brand's radio show.

He is also expected to face questions from MPs over the affair in prime minister's questions later.

BBC News website readers can follow prime minister's questions live on the BBC News website.
Source: BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7696714.stm)

[Callum]

The BBC has suspended Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross pending the outcome of an internal investigation into the pair's prank phone calls to Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs.

All programmes presented by Brand and Ross have been pulled from BBC radio and television. In a statement, BBC director general Mark Thompson said:

"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

"BBC audiences accept that, in comedy, performers attempt to push the line of taste. However, this is not a marginal case. It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.

"Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue. The investigation that I instructed Tim Davie to conduct is nearing completion, and I am returning to London to review the findings and, in the coming days, announce what action we will take.

"In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.

"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers. I am determined that we satisfy them that any lessons will be learnt and appropriate action taken. I have been asked to report to the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee before the end of this week and will discuss with the Trust the findings of the report and the actions I propose."

18,000 complaints have been lodged with the BBC about the October 18 edition of Brand's programme on Radio 2, during which a pre-recorded segment of Brand and Ross leaving expletive-laden messages on the voicemail of Sachs' mobile phone was broadcast.
Source: Digital Spy (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a134010/bbc-suspends-russell-brand-jonathan-ross.html)

[Sam!]

Already posted but in a thread already about this :)

[Benjamin]

Ohhhh Ross & Band won't wriggle out of this one easily. This could end their career.

[Tom]

Its all been blown out of proportion. 2 people complained, the media reported it and suddenly everyone jumps on the bandwagon. I'd be surprised if more than 5% of those who complained even heard the show.

[Spike]

Its pathetic
It reminds me of the CBB race row, it been blown out of proportion and people have just complained because others have

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by ukturtle
Ohhhh Ross & Band won't wriggle out of this one easily. This could end their career.

I think Ross will get out of it with a wrist slapping as he has already said sorry personally, and in any case the BBC won't want to lose him to ITV.

Brand however will be heading back to Channel 4, because this is the end of him on the BBC for a long long while. He hasn't even said sorry in a sensible grown up way.

As for the PM getting involved, you would with the credit crunch and all he and the other members of the Government would have better things to do with there time.

[Deirdre]

Noooo!
Now I can't see Miley Cyrus on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross:bawling:

[Matt08]

Originally posted by patheticfool
Noooo!
Now I can't see Miley Cyrus on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross:bawling:

Unless the show has already been pre-recorded.

[Corkie]

Originally posted by patheticfool
Noooo!
Now I can't see Miley Cyrus on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross:bawling:

Ohhh yeah, it looked like a good episode on Friday. Urghhh. Totally gone over board I think as did the joke.

I just hope this stupid suspension is lifted soon.

The joke might have gone to far but it is Russel Brand and Jonathan Ross thats what they bast their comedy on. Controversy.

[Spike]

Jonathan Ross Show has been cancelled for Friday
A little OTT by the BBC

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Matt08
Unless the show has already been pre-recorded.

It said in the BBC article that the show has been cancelled, so even it is pre-recorded it won't be shown.

[Dan_]

I think this has been taken all a bit too seriously.I know what they said was out of order but it really wasn't befitting of all the coverage it's got, now the suspension.

[NettoSuperstar!]

Its abit ott maybe they should have been docked wages. Ive listened to the phone call and they were trying to apologise then but they got a bit carried away, silly really. But the bosses shouldnt have aired it, it wasnt live. Hey ho I think theyre careers are safe mind

[Spike]

C4 and ITV have made Jonathan Ross an offer incase he is sacked so it wont be affecting his career

[Red Moon]

Brand and Ross: BBC statementBBC director general Mark Thompson has suspended presenters Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand following the row over their prank phone calls to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs on Radio 2.

The move was announced in this statement:

"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

BBC audiences accept that, in comedy, performers attempt to push the line of taste. However, this is not a marginal case.

It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.

Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue.

The investigation that I instructed Tim Davie [director of BBC audio and music] to conduct is nearing completion, and I am returning to London to review the findings and, in the coming days, announce what action we will take.

In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.

This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers.

I am determined that we satisfy them that any lessons will be learnt and appropriate action taken.

I have been asked to report to the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee before the end of this week and will discuss with the Trust the findings of the report and the actions I propose. "
Source:BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7697354.stm)

[Dan_]

Is the producer of the show also getting suspended? Seeing as he let the broadcast go out on air

[Bells]

I do think this has been blown out of proportion, particularly because Brand does this sort of thing often. There's always a new controversy surrounding his name, and all this publicity is probably exactly what he wants (albeit not getting suspended).

I think the suspension is not for this alone, but a point BBC is making that they are strict about this kind of behaviour, and probably for all the things he/they have done in the past as well (particularly Brand). People will still watch their shows, I can guarantee it (even I really like Friday Night with JR).

But I definitely think this is just a case of people jumping on the bandwagon, since hardly anyone will have heard the show until afterwards.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Dan_
Is the producer of the show also getting suspended? Seeing as he let the broadcast go out on air

The show is produced by Vanity Projects which is Brand's own production company, so the owner of the production company has been suspended too.

People forget a lot of programmes aren't made by the BBC many of them and purchased from independent production companies. It is that policy that is at fault. The BBC have lost control of the production values of their own programmes.

[30stone]

usualy like ross

but brands alwas been a cock

[:)tom:)]

that is so pathetic i mean it was a joke
people need to get over them selves
grrrrrrrrrr

[Annie]

I actually love Russell Brand and think its rather funny. He shouldnt have been suspended! :whistle:

[Greg.!]

what did they actually say

[Ruth]

After the show, 2 people complained and said that they thought it was offensive. Since then, the matter has received much publicity and there has been about 15,000 complaints, not to mention the Daily Mail practically calling for Brand and Ross to have their heads chopped off. (I HATE the Daily Mail - who the heck do they think they are, trying to tell us what we should be outraged by, what minorities we should hate, what is wrong with Britain today all according to their narrow minded views)?

My take on the situation is this:

Yes, what they did was offensive, tacky and rude. Yes, they should (and have) apologise to Andrew Sachs. However, the whole thing has been blown out of proportion. The show was pre-recorded, and somebody at the BBC cleared it for broadcast. At the time, only two people complained. But folks love a good bandwagon to jump on, and since then 15,000 have complained. I would like to know how many of those 15,000 actually listened to the show and were offended at the time (as opposed to being told that they should be offended, or looking the clip up on YouTube, where you can find the broadcast).

Georgina Baillie (the grand-daughter in question) is a member of a dance troupe called the Satanic Sluts. Now, I do not think that being a member of an extremely provocative dance troupe means that she should have her sex life broadcast to all and sundry - certainly not. But I do find it interesting that after the broadcast, the Satanic Sluts MySpace page actually thanked Russell Brand for giving them a 'shout out' on his show. Clearly, Georgina and her band were not offended. But now there is tons of publicity surrounding the matter, she has suddenly decided that she is furious as well. Hypocritical much?

I like Russell Brand. I do think he went too far on this occasion, but I admit to finding him very funny in the right environment. As for Jonathan Ross - meh. He used to be a good presenter, but these days, all he seems to do is lech over the female guests on his show, and is far more interested in hogging the limelight constantly when he is interviewing someone, rather than letting them have their 10 minutes of attention. I do not think he is worth the £18million he receives from the Beeb every year. But that is all a separate issue. I feel that Brand and Ross behaved like a pair of silly schoolchildren. What they did was wrong. But outrage; fury? I got nothing in that area.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by gregalz123
what did they actually say

Here are the transcripts of the calls :thumbs:

[Speaking on Andrew Sachs' answerphone]

Russell Brand: Hello Andrew Sachs, this is Russell Brand … you are meant to be on my show now mate … I am here with Jonathan Ross. I could still do the interview to your answerphone.

Jonathan Ross: Let's do it …

Brand: Man … er, Andrew Sachs.

Ross: Don't call him Manuel, that's really bad manners. I apologise for Russell - he's an idiot.

Brand: I said Andrew Sachs! Look Andrew Sachs I have got respect for you and your lineage and your progeny, never let that be questioned.

Ross: Don't hint …

Brand: I weren't hinting! Why did that come across as a hint?

Ross: Because you know what you did…

Brand: That wasn't a hint …

Ross: He ****ed your granddaughter!

[laughter in the studio]

Brand: That's his answerphone!

Ross: I'm sorry … I apologise Andrew, I apologise, I can't help it, you were talking about it and it was in my head, I apologise.

Brand: Jonathan!

Ross: I got excited, what can I say, it just came out.

Brand: Right. you wait till I come on your show. Andrew Sachs I did not do nothing with Georgina … oh no, I revealed I know her name! Oh no, it's a disaster! Abort, abort! Put the phone down, put the phone down, code red, code red! I'm sorry Mr Fawlty, I'm sorry. You're a waste of space! Oh no, Jonathan …

Ross: Why did you tell me? I forgot. You mentioned her and then it was in my head and then it came out.

Brand: I know you can't be blamed for this … It's too much for you …

Ross: He is the poor man at home sobbing over his answer machine.

Brand: What's going to happen? I will get a call now from the satanic sluts.

Ross: If he is like most people of a certain age he has probably got a picture of his grandchildren when they were young and innocent right by the phone. So while he is listening to the message he is looking at a picture of her when she was about nine on a swing …

Brand: She was on a swing when I met her … let's ring back Andrew Sachs.

[They call for a second time]

Ross: Hello! Manuel here!

Sachs: [his answer machine message] Sorry I can't answer at the moment …

Brand: [interrupting] … I am too busy thinking about killing myself … Andrew, this is Russell Brand. I am so sorry about the last message - it was part of the radio show, it was a mistake … The truth is I am phoning you to ask if I can marry - that's right, marry - Georgina the granddaughter.

Ross: And I would like to be a page boy.

Brand: He wants to be a page boy, we are going to have a Fawlty Towers-themed wedding.

Ross: Now you've spoilt it!

Brand: No! I made it better. I'm sorry, I'll do anything. I wore a condom. Put the phone down! Oh what's going to happen. Look I've got a mental illness. Do you think that made it better?

Ross: You will never become king rat in the Variety Club now.

Brand: Oh no, that's over for me now … Jonathan I think we've made the situation worse ... We've got to stop upsetting Manuel. This time Jonathan I'm convinced we can make it better.

Ross: Let's just sing to him.

Brand: I'll make up something as I go along…

[Third message]

Brand: [singing…] I'd like to apologise for the terrible attacks, Andrew Sachs, I would like to show contrition to the max, Andrew Sachs. I would like to create world peace, between the yellow, white and blacks, Andrew Sachs, Andrew Sachs. I said something I didn't have oughta, like I had sex with your granddaughter. But it was consensual and she wasn't menstrual, it was consensual lovely sex. It was full of respect I sent her a text, I've asked her to marry me, Andrew Sachs …

Ross: This has made it worse, you have trivialised the whole incident.

Brand: Hang up, hang up! It's trivialised it!

Ross: You know there is one way we could possibly make it better …

Brand: We can keep ringing, and even after the show's finished, kick his front door in and scream apologies into his bottom.

Ross: Hello, Manuel is not in right now. Please leave a message after the tone…

[Fourth message]

Brand: I am sorry, I am so sorry … that I had a difficult life, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry Andrew. Let's just take some time together, we can meet up.

Ross: You're making it worse, just say sorry.

Brand: Jonathan Ross is sorry as well, it was his idea … Sorry about everything that's ever happened …

[Later]

Brand: No one could have been offended by anything that went on in that show.

Ross: Who could possibly be offended by anything there? If they were they are crazy people.

Brand: If Andrew Sachs listens to his answerphone message when he gets it …

Ross: The saving grace is you didn't have anything to do with his granddaughter did you?

Brand: Oh actually I did, I slept with her, but it was ultimately undermined, not undermined, underlined with love …
Source: The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/27/russell-brand-jonathan-ross-andrew-sachs-calls)

[MarkWaldorf]

Does this mean no Friday Night.... this week?

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Markus
Does this mean no Friday Night.... this week?

Yes.

It is in the BBC press story posted in the thread that came out earlier today.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Ruth
After the show, 2 people complained and said that they thought it was offensive. Since then, the matter has received much publicity and there has been about 15,000 complaints, not to mention the Daily Mail practically calling for Brand and Ross to have their heads chopped off. (I HATE the Daily Mail - who the heck do they think they are, trying to tell us what we should be outraged by, what minorities we should hate, what is wrong with Britain today all according to their narrow minded views)?

I have to agree about the media whipping the whole story up and getting people to complain with this sort of thing at the ends of the stories:

If you want to complain to Ofcom about the Brand and Ross comments, call: 020 7981 3040 or 0300 123 3333.

Or you can write to: Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London,SE1 9HA. Or use the website: www.ofcom.org.uk
Source:Evening Times (http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2464113.0.sick_joke_backfires_on_stars .php)

Clearly it is in the interest of the press to make the story bigger than it really is order to sell more newspapers.

[Spike]

The media have caused all the fuss, if they hadn't of got involved then it would of just been a radio link that just offended a few people. It reminds me of the CBB race row, again the media made it something it wasn't

[officialleafan]

No wonder they got suspenced, they kept ringing the poor man back. It's like harrassment.

[bluehill]

it was freaking funny i was laughing but i thinks this has gone tooo far even parliment is talking about it

[Jackie]

His grand daughter will be all over the papers now selling her story so she will make some money out of it.

[Spike]

Originally posted by jackie46
His grand daughter will be all over the papers now selling her story so she will make some money out of it.

She already has, look on The Sun website

[Jackie]

Fawlty Towers will make a return LOL.

[Matt08]

Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

[Jake!]

Originally posted by Matt08
Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

Good, he doesn't need all this **** over one poxy phone call. Its gone too far now...

[Matt08]

Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

Good, he doesn't need all this **** over one poxy phone call. Its gone too far now...

Maybe in future he should learn to keep his mouth shut and grow up a bit.

[Jake!]

Originally posted by Matt08
Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

Good, he doesn't need all this **** over one poxy phone call. Its gone too far now...

Maybe in future he should learn to keep his mouth shut and grow up a bit.

Or other people can relax a little...

[Evz]

Ross should have to resign aswell.

[Matt08]

Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

Good, he doesn't need all this **** over one poxy phone call. Its gone too far now...

Maybe in future he should learn to keep his mouth shut and grow up a bit.

Or other people can relax a little...

What about if someone rang your Grandad and left nasty messages and then broadcast it on the radio? I'm sure you'd have a different view on it then.

[Jake!]

Originally posted by Matt08
Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

Good, he doesn't need all this **** over one poxy phone call. Its gone too far now...

Maybe in future he should learn to keep his mouth shut and grow up a bit.

Or other people can relax a little...

What about if someone rang your Grandad and left nasty messages and then broadcast it on the radio? I'm sure you'd have a different view on it then. My grandad would but I wouldn't... Its just me, I'm common, I don't really care to be honest bout all this, its useless. Does nothingto me or for me so...

[Evz]

Originally posted by Matt08
Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Originally posted by Jake!
Originally posted by Matt08
Russell Brand has just announced that he's resigning from Radio 2.

Good, he doesn't need all this **** over one poxy phone call. Its gone too far now...

Maybe in future he should learn to keep his mouth shut and grow up a bit.

Or other people can relax a little...

What about if someone rang your Grandad and left nasty messages and then broadcast it on the radio? I'm sure you'd have a different view on it then.

Especially the suicide part.

[bronaaaa]

Originally posted by Tom
Its all been blown out of proportion. 2 people complained, the media reported it and suddenly everyone jumps on the bandwagon. I'd be surprised if more than 5% of those who complained even heard the show.

Aye thats what I was thinking
I also think its abit sad when people complain over a Tv show :bored:

[Jake!]

Originally posted by Fascination
Originally posted by Tom
Its all been blown out of proportion. 2 people complained, the media reported it and suddenly everyone jumps on the bandwagon. I'd be surprised if more than 5% of those who complained even heard the show.

Aye thats what I was thinking
I also think its abit sad when people complain over a Tv show :bored:

Also when people complain over adverts...

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Evz
Ross should have to resign aswell.

Ross might be out of order but at least he said sorry, unlike Brand.

[Ruth]

Originally posted by ukturtle
Ohhhh Ross & Band won't wriggle out of this one easily. This could end their career.

No, it won't. if anything, it will just enhance their career.

What a load of hot air this whole thing is. I do think what they did was tacky and silly. But the vast majority of complainers are only outraged because the media *cough*Daily Mail*cough* has told them that they should be outraged. I bet at least half of those complaining haven't even heard the broadcast.

Georgina Baillie is showing astounding hypocrisy or stupidity in banging on about it (bookings for your group, 'Satanic Sluts' going up are they, love?). She says her grandfather just wants this whole furore to go away - yet she is the one banging on about it now.

Personally I found the sight of Andrew Sachs practically being pinned up against a wall by a gaggle of reporters wanting to hear what he had to say, far more disturbing that Brand and Ross' broadcast. Sachs himself has shown a tremendous amount of dignity. He acknowledged that they are performers, and sometimes performances go wrong. He said that he had received very nice apologies from both of them. He said that he did not want revenge.

There are plenty of injustices in this world for people to get angry about. This isn't one of them.

[Ruth]

Originally posted by Red Moon
Originally posted by Evz
Ross should have to resign aswell.

Ross might be out of order but at least he said sorry, unlike Brand.

Andrew Sachs said that he has received very nice personal apologies from both of them:spin2:

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Ruth
Andrew Sachs said that he has received very nice personal apologies from both of them:spin2:

Ah... I read in the papers that Georgina Baillie (aka Voluptua) said her grandfather hadn't received a personal apology from Mr Brand... may be he has done it since the article was written.

It's funny how Georgina Baillie seems to coming out of this all squeaky clean, she such a good role model for teenagers today.

[Ruth]

She has also done an exclusive interview with The Sun today - telling all about how she bedded Brand, and he was a disappointment. Classy girl.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Ruth
She has also done an exclusive interview with The Sun today - telling all about how she bedded Brand, and he was a disappointment. Classy girl.

Very....lol

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Vn9wJkPIA

[Annie]

Originally posted by Ruth
She has also done an exclusive interview with The Sun today - telling all about how she bedded Brand, and he was a disappointment. Classy girl.

Wow I bet he isnt a disappointment and she is just trying to get back at him.

[Matt]

Jonathan Ross suspended from BBC for 12 weeks over prank phone calls

Jonathan Ross has been suspended from all BBC TV and radio services without pay for 12 weeks over his part in the prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs.

The BBC director general, Mark Thompson, said the contribution of the corporation's highest paid star to the Sachsgate prank calls "was utterly unacceptable and cannot be allowed to go uncensured or without sanction".

Ross is on a three-year, £6m-a-year deal, although this money also includes production fees paid to the independent company through which many of his BBC TV and radio shows are made.

A statement released by BBC management said: "The presenter Jonathan Ross will be suspended from all broadcasting for the BBC for a 12-week period, ending in mid-January 2009.

"He will not be paid by the BBC during this period: the fees that would have been paid will be deducted from his BBC contract."

Thompson said: "The ultimate editorial responsibility for BBC programmes lies with producers and editorial managers. The consequences of errors of judgement are therefore more serious for managers.

"Nonetheless, Jonathan Ross's contribution to this edition of the Russell Brand show was utterly unacceptable and cannot be allowed to go uncensured or without sanction.

"A 12-week suspension is an exceptional step, but I believe it is a proportionate response to Jonathan's role in this unhappy affair.

Thompson continued: "Jonathan Ross has already made a comprehensive and unreserved personal apology to Andrew Sachs and his granddaughter.

"I believe that he fully understands the seriousness of what has happened.

"I have made very clear to him the central importance of the clause in his contract about not bringing the BBC into disrepute. We agree that nothing like this must ever happen again and that tight discipline will be required for the future."

Source: MediaGuardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/30/jonathan-ross-russell-brand1)

[Spike]

This is ridiculous, if I was Jonathan I would quit the BBC and move to ITV.

[Spike]

The Radio 2 controller has also resigned now, this is taking something too far

[Red Moon]

Putting aside the fact that Brand and Ross should never had made the phone calls and the BBC should never have approved it for transmission, there something really worrying happening to broadcasting that allows small pressure groups and the media to influence to the whole future of the industry and the nature of the programmes we watch or listen too.

The newspaper the Daily Mail has played a big hand in all that has gone on. It started by leading the story and as the days have gone on it has ramped up it's campaign and tapped into the concern about vulgarity and crudity that so many of it's older readers believe in.

Now it has scored the first goal against the BBC, and other broadcasters too, there is nothing stopping it doing it again and again, making it the campion of all that good and clean. It now has the power to sanitise both Radio and Television. Censoring our viewing or listening and generally treating us like children who aren't responsible enough to know where the off button is. It has it army of grey old ladies and church goers with pens at the ready to write to Ofcom at it's command.

I think we should concerned about what has happened today, because it more than just about Brand, Ross and the BBC.

[James]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Voluptua on Celeb BB in January now. :dance:

This whole thing gets sillier and more over-reacted to by the day. Where can you go to complain about media bandwagons lol. :whistle:

[Ruth]

I agree with you James. She will be milking this for all it is worth. And Red, I think your post is wonderful, and I agree with every word.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by James
I wouldn't be surprised to see Voluptua on Celeb BB in January now. :dance:

I wouldn't be shocked by that, and the people at Channel 4 would love the idea of a girl that takes her clothes off and whips her girl friends bottom with a crop and I also hear she not unfamiliar with doing the housework with few clothes on while drinking a bottle of vodka and being sick now again. It would just be what the show needs..... lol...... and the Daily Mail could have a field day.

Originally posted by James
This whole thing gets sillier and more over-reacted to by the day. Where can you go to complain about media bandwagons lol. :whistle:

On serious note you could talk to the Press Complaints Commission, however they don't seem to mention media bandwagons in their code of practice.

Maybe you could have a word Mr.Brown he has nothing better to do than jump on media bandwagons so I'm sure he knows all about them.

[James]

Peter Bazalgette (ex Big Brother boss) on This Week on BBC1 talking about all this.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by James
Peter Bazalgette (ex Big Brother boss) on This Week on BBC1 talking about all this.

And what did he have to say about all this?

[James]

Basically saying it was a fairly trivial issue that had been overblown by the media wanting to create a story and report on itself. Wasn't sure what Jonathon Ross would be like when he comes back from his ban, thought he might have to tone down the bad language on his show.

They had a laugh at how Gordon Brown was making statements on it also and not all the other trouble in the world. Michael Portillo said he thought it came at a good time for the government because they could use this to deflect from everything else that is going on. They said that the amount of money JR makes has contributed to the outrage and these furores move much faster than they did 10 years ago.

It was mentioned how they BBC had been slow to respond because a lot of them were on holiday last week.

It was one of the few reasonable discussions I've heard about this business, actually.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by James
Basically saying it was a fairly trivial issue that had been overblown by the media wanting to create a story and report on itself. Wasn't sure what Jonathon Ross would be like when he comes back from his ban, thought he might have to tone down the bad language on his show.

They had a laugh at how Gordon Brown was making statements on it also and not all the other trouble in the world. Michael Portillo said he thought it came at a good time for the government because they could use this to deflect from everything else that is going on. They said that the amount of money JR makes has contributed to the outrage and these furores move much faster than they did 10 years ago.

It was mentioned how they BBC had been slow to respond because a lot of them were on holiday last week.

It was one of the few reasonable discussions I've heard about this business, actually.

Thanks James, it sounds like the sort of thing I agree with.

The press has made too much of this and the way the BBC have reacted has been slow. Now they have press to control them and censor them in future, because they didn't react fast enough. They should have been bolder and not crumbled under the pressure.

Now Ross will have to tone things down, as will everyone else on the BBC, and it will take years for these people to gain the free speech that presenters on the BBC once had. Just like it took Big Brother nearly 2 years to get over the Goody affair.

As for Brown, well it's a bad time to be PM, they were right to have ago at him for trying get out of the trouble his and other governments has caused by freeing up the markets.

[Xander]

I think out of all the people who heard this on the show, a handful only complained. People who listen to Russell know what type of humor to expect from him and his radio show, although he does push the boundaries all the time, only when this got media attention did people who actually hadn't heard it before started complaining, just shows you how people really complain for the sake of complaining, if anything Brand was in the wrong here, it seemed that Jonathan was influenced by Russell to say what he said on that prank call. It has been blown out of proportions by the media, once again, making it seem like its something horrendous, when its really not is it?
It didn't help that his granddaughter started getting in on a piece of action.
Its only really down to the media attention, I think, that gave Ross that much amount of suspension time. I just don't get why everyone is making such a big deal out of this? Yes it was wrong, (although I found it funny. :laugh:) But it surely didn't deserve Russell to resign as well as Ross getting a suspension.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Red Moon
Originally posted by James
I wouldn't be surprised to see Voluptua on Celeb BB in January now. :dance:

I wouldn't be shocked by that, and the people at Channel 4 would love the idea of a girl that takes her clothes off and whips her girl friends bottom with a crop and I also hear she not unfamiliar with doing the housework with few clothes on while drinking a bottle of vodka and being sick now again. It would just be what the show needs..... lol...... and the Daily Mail could have a field day.

As a footnote to this comment, I did have evidence to back up what I said, but they have taken the video's off of You Tube.

[lookintomyeyes]

Just come in
link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/31/jonathan-ross-itv)

Jonathan Ross pulls out of hosting British Comedy Awards
Tara Conlan guardian.co.uk, Friday October 31 2008 13.35 GMT Article

Jonathan Ross is to step down from presenting this year's British Comedy Awards following the 'Sachsgate' affair.

Although he is only suspended from BBC shows for his part in the prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs, Ross decided not to go ahead with fronting the ITV1 show in December "with the agreement of ITV".

A spokesman for Ross said: "It's a show he very much enjoys being part of but would not want his participation in this year's event to take away from the awards themselves or the many talented winners of the awards."

The ITV director of television, Peter Fincham, added: "We respect Jonathan's decision to stand down from the 2008 British Comedy Awards which has been made with the full support of ITV and the show's producers."

This year's British Comedy Awards are due to take place on December 6, returning to ITV1 having not been broadcast last year while the broadcaster investigated allegations about problems with a phone vote for the 2005 event.

More details soon…

[Red Moon]

I think given all that has gone he is right to pull out of the awards. It is like he said, him being there after that has gone on this week would just distract from the reason for awards, namely to promote comedy.

[Matt]

Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie to speak about Ross-Brand row on Five

Five is to air an exclusive interview next week with Andrew Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie in a documentary called Russell & Ross: What the ******* Was All That About?

The fast-turnaround documentary will be broadcast next Wednesday, November 5, and examine the impact of the media storm surrounding Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand.

Five's documentary will also look at the impact on their careers of the controversy following Brand's now-infamous BBC2 Radio show on 18 October 18.

In addition to Baillie's interview, the programme will also feature what Five calls, "previously unseen footage of Miss Baillie in action as she performs with her four-piece burlesque dance group, Satanic Sluts Extreme".

Source & Full Story: MediaGuardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/31/channelfive-jonathan-ross)


Brand-Ross Facebook supporters to protest outside Daily Mail

More than 15,000 people have signed up to a Facebook group supporting Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross and are planning a protest tomorrow outside the Daily Mail's London offices.

Fans of the pair are planning a protest tomorrow outside the Daily Mail's Derry Street HQ in Kensington at noon, followed by one outside the BBC's HQ in the capital.

Called Support Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, Facebook group has swollen its membership in recent days as Brand resigned from his Radio 2 show and Ross was suspended without pay from all BBC TV and radio services for three months.

The 15,609 supporters who have joined the Facebook group compares with the 34,690 who complained to the BBC about the show following the Mail on Sunday's story on October 26.

Only two people complained after the show was broadcast on October 18.

The Support Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross group is also presenting a petition signed by almost 4,000 people.

Source & Full Story: MediaGuardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/31/facebook-jonathan-ross)


Jonathan Ross suspension could cost BBC Resources more than £500,000

The cost of Jonathan Ross's 12-week suspension from BBC TV and radio is already running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Estimates suggest the fallout from his break off-air will cost the BBC's commercial wing, BBC Resources, around £550,000 in cancelled studio costs alone.

In addition, around 30 staff are employed by Ross's independent production company, Hot Sauce, to make his BBC1 chatshow Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

They are waiting to find out if they will be paid - and whether or not the money will come from the BBC or from Hot Sauce.

Hot Sauce also makes Ross's Saturday Radio 2 show and topical BBC1 film review programme Film 2008, which has already pre-recorded some interviews for next week's episode.

Source & Full Story: MediaGuardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/31/jonathan-ross-russell-brand3)

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by Matt
Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie to speak about Ross-Brand row on Five

Well the presenter better be on his/her best behavior, otherwise he/she might find themselves over the knee of Mistress Voluptua for a good old thrashing!

It's no wonder Brand has left the country... she is probably after him with her whips!

[Matt]

Jonathan Ross's £18m BBC deal caused Sachsgate backlash, says Terry Wogan

Sir Terry Wogan has defended the amount Jonathan Ross is paid by the BBC, but said the suspended presenter's £18m three-year deal was the reason the backlash against the Andrew Sachs prank calls incident became so fierce.

The Radio 2 breakfast presenter described the prank calls to Sachs that led to Ross being suspended and Russell Brand resigning from the station as "unforgivable".

Wogan expressed sympathy for Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas, who also resigned following the furore, saying it was a shame "our brilliant controller" had to leave.

Speaking yesterday at the launch of Bandaged, an album of songs sung by BBC Radio 2 presenters and their friends in aid of Children in Need, Wogan also said he agreed with ITV executive chairman Michael Grade's calls earlier this week to cut bad language in broadcasting.

Wogan added that there was a problem in broadcasting of "trying to appeal to an audience that is not there".

"Most of the resentment seemed to focus at the end, not on Russell Brand, not on this judgment they made, but on Jonathan Ross's salary," Wogan said.

"Come on - if your agent negotiates £18m ... are you going to turn round and say: 'I'm not going to take that?'" he added.

"It's not his fault he's paid that money. Don't criticise him for taking the money, because all of us would."

Ross was been suspended for 12 weeks without pay last week following the broadcast of pre-recorded lewd messages he and Brand left on Sachs' answerphone about the actor's granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. The messages went out on Brand's Radio 2 show on Saturday October 18.

The BBC TV and radio presenter is reported to have signed an £18m three-year deal with the BBC, meaning he could lose around £1.5m during the suspension.

Wogan said he hope the incident would not affect the public's attitude to Radio 2 and went on to say he backed Grade's calls to cut bad language in broadcasting.

"Absolutely I agree. I'm an old geezer and I'm like Michael Grade," he added.

"I don't think it's ever acceptable and I think there will be a backlash against it. There is already a backlash and I think it's not right," Wogan said.

"The F-word is bad enough, it's just an example of people who are inarticulate. You can bleep it out.

"I think it's unprofessional. I think some people think they will have more street cred with the youth if they eff and blind."

Source: MediaGuardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/nov/07/jonathan-ross-bbc)

[Scarlett.]

Wont Wogan shut up and let it die http://silenthill5.net/forums/images/smilies/aldo.gif

[Matt]

The apology that the BBC Trust ordered to be broadcast on Radio 2 will be aired tomorrow.

BBC press release:

On 30 October 2008, the BBC Trust announced a range of actions it required of BBC management in relation to a serious editorial breach on the Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2 broadcast on 18 October.

The BBC Trust instructed that a broadcast apology be made to licence fee payers on BBC Radio 2 for the serious breaches, the terms of which it was to approve, and at a time of its direction.

The Trust's Editorial Standards Committee yesterday approved the following apology to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 8 November 2008 at 10.03am and 9.03pm:

"On 18 October, the BBC broadcast an exchange between Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross on the Russell Brand show on Radio 2. This concerned the actor Andrew Sachs and his granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. Some of this exchange was left on the voicemail of Mr Sachs. The conversation was grossly offensive and an unacceptable intrusion into the private lives of both Mr Sachs and Ms Baillie. It was a serious breach of editorial standards, and should never have been recorded or broadcast. The BBC would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Sachs, Ms Baillie and to our audiences as licence fee payers."

Notes to Editors
The timing of the apology relates to the times when the Russell Brand show (9.03pm) and the Jonathan Ross Radio 2 show (10.03am) would normally be broadcast on Radio 2.