BBC told to investigate 'WhatsApp gossip' about behaviour of other stars following Russell …

The BBC has been told to investigate “WhatsApp gossip” about the behaviour of star names following the Russell Brand allegations as it emerged that the broadcaster faces 29 current claims of bullying and sexual harassment against unknown individuals.Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said public service broadcasters should use the Brand revelations as a springboard to “clean house” and investigate fully allegations by whistleblowers of alleged misuse of power on programmes.Dame Caroline told i: “Broadcasters should use the Brand claims to ‘clean house’ and proactively investigate any other cases that are ‘open secrets’ within industry gossip and WhatsApp groups.”The MP said she feared that television bosses too often turn a blind eye to reports of bad behaviour by stars, which are widely shared among production staff and other performers.“My concern is when people in power are aware of rumours or stories yet don’t act, then a culture is allowed to permeate,” Dame Caroline said.The Dispatches/Sunday Times Brand investigation found that female comedians had shared on WhatsApp a “blacklist” of comedians said to have engaged in toxic behaviours such as stalking, violence and predatory behaviour.Comedian Stevie Martin disclosed the existence of the WhatsApp group, which
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