Complaints have flooded into the corporation demanding action over the string of offensive messages left by Brand and Ross on 78-year-old Sachs' answerphone, which was broadcast to 2m people on Brand's BBC Radio 2 show on October 18.
In the pre-recorded messages, Brand claimed he "fucked" Sachs' 23-year-old granddaughter Georgina, singing: "I said some things I didn't of oughta, like I had sex with your granddaughter".
The BBC initially defended Ross and Brand, but later released a statement calling the stunt "unacceptable and offensive". The two comedians have also apologised to Sachs.
However, media watchdogs and members of parliament have joined the chorus of complaints, some calling for an investigation.
Ofcom said it had received a numbers of calls from members of the public who were offended by the broadcast and will assess the complaints to see if further investigation is warranted.
Mediawatch-UK director John Beyer said he also received complaints and has since called for the BBC to remove Brand and Ross from programming while the incident is investigated.
Conservative MP John Whittingdale, who also chairs a media watchdog committee, said: "This is a serious failing on the part of the BBC. They claim to have stringent editorial controls and yet this got past all of them.
"This is the latest in a succession of appalling incidents from both comics. They seem to repeatedly cause offence and get away with it."
Another Conservative MP, David Davies, called for the BBC to sack Brand and Ross: "In no other organisation would you be able to get away with behaving like this."
It emerged yesterday that the radio programme was green-lit by 25-year-old BBC producer Nic Philips without the okay from Sachs', who Philips called to see if the programme could go to air.
The BBC has not revealed whether any further action will be taken over the complaints.
Comments
Jonnie - 28/10/2008
Sack them both, there just overpaid idiots and we the license payers foot the bill!!!!
Why are people hating on Sachs? Didn't he have enough hassles as Manuel? Meanwhile I got 20 bucks that says there's going to be one more unemployed 25-year-old pounding the pavements soon. Anyone wanna produce for the BBC?
Spot on, Amod. "It emerged yesterday that the radio programme was green-lit by BBC producer Nic Philips without the okay from Sachs, who Philips called to see if the programme could go to air". So, although Messrs Ross and Brand aren't blameless, the man in charge of the programme realised that it was going to be contentious and decided to broadcast it anyway. If anyone needs sacking, it's him.
This invasive action was intended for the sole purpose to discredit and abuse the well loved respected public figure and actor Andrew Sachs, it is nothing short of disgraceful. When Michael Barrimore and Angus Deiton let us down the BBC were swift to condem and remove their offencive face and voice from our screens, their private lives quite justifiably upset the BBC however it should be said they did not intended to foist their doings upon the great British public, they did not set out to discredit a well loved figurehead using the BBC to transmit their shame \(and all, and ONLY for, their own personal sadistic pleasure)
Their action to disgrace the innocent treasured grandaughter of Mr Sachs, whose only crime was to misguidedly offer her love to such a spoilt boy as this is quite unforgivable.
Ross the overpaid buffoon \(does anyone like him?) and Brand the clown MUST GO in decent haste.
This was without one of the funniest things i have ever heard. What a load of crap, 'poor old andrew sachs' he is just revelling in the sympathy from a bunch of old farts who probably havent heard the original recording. Most people also fail to report on the fact that his granddaughter performs for a burlesque group called 'The Satanic Sluts'. Russell Brand built a career on shagging and apart from being a former drug addict, that is his main accolade. She shouldnt have gone near the swordsman in the first place.
Anyway viva Russell Brand, his radio show is hilarious. Wossy...bit of a cock though but Sachs should shut uppa his face
innocent treasured grandaughter?!?!?!? Do your homework.
Just a few excerpts from 'The Satanic Sluts' MySpace:
\(http://www.myspace.com/satanicslutsofficial)
Who Id Like to Meet:
x Anyone who appreciates sex and horror.
x Decent bands who would like to throw us in the back of their van/bus and make us perform disgusting acts on stage or do the same on camera along to one of their tracks.
Latest Blog Entries:
x Russell Brand gives the Satanic Sluts a mention on his show
Or Her MySpace \(http://www.myspace.com/voluptua)
Status: Voluptua fuck piss bugger arse fuck tard rape shyte, yeah that's right
About me:
Hi my name is VOLUPTUA. I am a member of the Satanic Sluts Xtreme www.myspace.com/satanicslutsofficial and perform violent, horrific and sexy burlesque shows around the UK and the rest of Europe with my dance and burlesque troupe. I also have done the odd bit of presenting on Rockworld tv \(formerly known as Redemption tv) sky channel 368. Now my dance troupe Satanic Sluts Xtreme \(add us www.myspace.com/satanicslutsofficial) dominates most of my time aside from some work as a fetish/goth/altenative/glamour model. I have also done some "acting" if you can call it that... in a couple of music videos such as Forever Never's "As I Lie" in which I played a bulimic babestation girl... oh the irony! And when I was 18 I starred in the short internet film "An Australian Vampire in London" both this film and some of my other work are available to view in my blog. I have recently played a prostitute/ glamour model in a high profile tv pilot comedy/drama called "Trollops of Threadneedle Street" I LIKE TO PARTY, I DON'T CARE IF YOU CALL ME A "WASTER" OR EVEN A "GROUPIE" BECAUSE I AM HAVING SO MUCH MORE FUN THAN YOU AND LIVING THIS WAY MAKES ME HAPPY.
And you call Brand & Ross sadistic?! What an innocent treasured grandaughter!! Im sure she is hating this media attention. For a girl who wants to build a media career and boasts 'Pole dancing is the best exercise in the world, after sex' on a public site im sure this is a harrowing time.
Richard Windsor
How can the BBC put its name to such childish unfunny tripe that Brand dribbles out every time he opens vile mouth. Take a step back BBC and just analyze the content of this rubbish show................you can do a lot better than this, clear out the DROSS of Brand and Ross sack the pair they will be no ones' LOSS .
What about the opinions of the 1998500 listeners who either enjoyed the piece, saw it as harmless, or weren't paying attention?
Isn't this all just a little OTT?
Aroo - 28/10/2008
Like his granddaughters Pollyanna! Oh, the hypocrisy!
Even if Sachs' granddaughter is part of the "Satanic Sluts" group, it doesn't make the phone messages right. Don't try and use her career choice as an excuse for Brand and Ross.
Aroo - 28/10/2008
She'll be in the The News Of The World calling him a lousy lay on Sunday. I fully sympathise with Manuel.
I hate Russell Brand and his material like every other human being, but this has been blown out of proportion. As mentioned, the granddaughters choice of career has nothing to do with and cannot be used to defend the actions taken by the two presenters, however I do sympathise with Sachs on this occasion.
Who would you want to see replace Russell Bland?
It was soooooooo funny. I had to pick myself up off the floor I was laughing so hard. Great entertainment. Can't wait to see what he does next.
Let's all take a chill pill. OK. So it was offensive. But. It has been blown out of all proportion. I do not think that anyone should be sacked. Move on. The lady in question, and I use that description of her with generosity is hardly the type of person who wouldn't welcome a bit of publicity if one takes into account her chosen career choice of a 'dancer' in a group named the satanic sluts. I am sure that she will benefit from it in some way so shut up and put up I say.
Well done guys at least in these difficult economic times there are still people pushing the boundaries for a few laughs. Yes, they went a bit too far but we all make mistakes don't we?
If there are jobs to lost in this whole overblown debacle then it is the producer of the show who should take responsibility.
If people don't like Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross. Switch over to another channel. It is a free country and no one is forcing you to watch or listen.
I don't care for Bland or Woss, they are both over-paid and over-rated \(imo), however, if people want to listen to them, that is their choice. That said, I think it is wrong in the extreme to take shots at people's families on national broadcast media for the purpose of 'entertainment'. I wonder how Bland or Woss would've reacted if, for instance, Noel Fielding and Parki had called and left messages on their answer phones taking the P and stating that they had taken turns on a members of their families - still funny then fellas?
Im sure his grandaughter is soo cut up about the ordeal....so much so that she sold her story to the sun!
I say give her a break, a girl has got to eat.
Jonnie - 29/10/2008
sack them both. Overpaid on our TV license fee and the 8 million Ross gets could fund excellent films!!!
Jonnie your comments are completly correct, I didn't realize he got paid that much! Certainly highly overpaid over-rated and with his bumpious pudgy face over exposed on our screens, sickening yes, a real Channel Changer for our family.
For the BBC to give him so much of OUR difficult to earn wages and pensions entrusted to them in expectation they are looking after our best interest, well.... it's nothing short of DISGUSTINGLY SHAMEFUL, as License Payers we can't afford to either pay for or permit this ABUSIVE LOUT, money talks and its our money I'm talking about.
DUMP HIM and this ghastly sidekick Hairy-Krishna-Brand, start afresh and look after our money BETTER!
I just listened to the news on TV and they trotted out one TIM SHAW, who's he?, (never heard of him) seems he somehow knows of this situation and he intimated some form of sympathy towards ROSS and belligerently that the now concerned PM and Members of Parliment were somewhat over-excited and something to the effect 'So What! Just overlook it, everyone stop being concerned and Go Away and Stop All the other problems around the UK/World' the news reporter explained this somebody TIM SHAW claim to fame was that he'd been sacked 13 TIMES, well doesn't that just say it all, does that suggest someone (in the entertainments? industry) who keeps re-employing this 'Type' would benefit from a swift and rude form of re-educating.
Jonnie - 29/10/2008
Yes it's strange how they can justify this behavior Denys, i agree. I have to admit i have watched and been entertained by both Ross and Brand, but there comes a time where enough is enough. We are their clients because we pay their wages and do not expect to be humiliated in this way, I cannot imagine how i would feel if i received a call live on the radio with the presenter saying 'I have slept with your daughter'! If I called one of my clients and sid this I would be out of a job tomorrow!! Ok, people can try to justify it's 'entertainment', but no it goes beyond and these 'celebrities' have to learn they cannot have a 'get out of jail free' card any longer.
It's always the same celebrities being let off the hook and I say sack them both and find some other talent, of which there are lots, to replace them.
Maybe Ross and Brand can write another 'bookie wook' together!
Calm down, Denys, it's nearly time for your medication. We'll have to review your Daily Mail privileges if it gets you in that kind of state.
You two, Jonnie ... honestly, you're as bad as each-other!
If you did find this offensive and are calling for them to be sacked, I think that you've reached that special time in you're life...
Really can't see what the fuss is about at all... Get over it, it wasn't like they physically attacked the guy, it was only a joke and I really think that Sachs isn't that offended...
Fucking Gordon Brown getting involved? What's all that about! Get back to trying to fix the mess of this country and mind your own business..
Comments
Jonnie - 28/10/2008
Sack them both, there just overpaid idiots and we the license payers foot the bill!!!!
Amod Munga - 28/10/2008
Why are people hating on Sachs? Didn't he have enough hassles as Manuel? Meanwhile I got 20 bucks that says there's going to be one more unemployed 25-year-old pounding the pavements soon. Anyone wanna produce for the BBC?
Mark Bridge - 28/10/2008
Spot on, Amod. "It emerged yesterday that the radio programme was green-lit by BBC producer Nic Philips without the okay from Sachs, who Philips called to see if the programme could go to air". So, although Messrs Ross and Brand aren't blameless, the man in charge of the programme realised that it was going to be contentious and decided to broadcast it anyway. If anyone needs sacking, it's him.
Just Trying to Think it Through - 28/10/2008
This invasive action was intended for the sole purpose to discredit and abuse the well loved respected public figure and actor Andrew Sachs, it is nothing short of disgraceful. When Michael Barrimore and Angus Deiton let us down the BBC were swift to condem and remove their offencive face and voice from our screens, their private lives quite justifiably upset the BBC however it should be said they did not intended to foist their doings upon the great British public, they did not set out to discredit a well loved figurehead using the BBC to transmit their shame \(and all, and ONLY for, their own personal sadistic pleasure) Their action to disgrace the innocent treasured grandaughter of Mr Sachs, whose only crime was to misguidedly offer her love to such a spoilt boy as this is quite unforgivable. Ross the overpaid buffoon \(does anyone like him?) and Brand the clown MUST GO in decent haste.
Mr Cheese - 28/10/2008
This was without one of the funniest things i have ever heard. What a load of crap, 'poor old andrew sachs' he is just revelling in the sympathy from a bunch of old farts who probably havent heard the original recording. Most people also fail to report on the fact that his granddaughter performs for a burlesque group called 'The Satanic Sluts'. Russell Brand built a career on shagging and apart from being a former drug addict, that is his main accolade. She shouldnt have gone near the swordsman in the first place. Anyway viva Russell Brand, his radio show is hilarious. Wossy...bit of a cock though but Sachs should shut uppa his face
Mr Cheese - 28/10/2008
innocent treasured grandaughter?!?!?!? Do your homework. Just a few excerpts from 'The Satanic Sluts' MySpace: \(http://www.myspace.com/satanicslutsofficial) Who Id Like to Meet: x Anyone who appreciates sex and horror. x Decent bands who would like to throw us in the back of their van/bus and make us perform disgusting acts on stage or do the same on camera along to one of their tracks. Latest Blog Entries: x Russell Brand gives the Satanic Sluts a mention on his show Or Her MySpace \(http://www.myspace.com/voluptua) Status: Voluptua fuck piss bugger arse fuck tard rape shyte, yeah that's right About me: Hi my name is VOLUPTUA. I am a member of the Satanic Sluts Xtreme www.myspace.com/satanicslutsofficial and perform violent, horrific and sexy burlesque shows around the UK and the rest of Europe with my dance and burlesque troupe. I also have done the odd bit of presenting on Rockworld tv \(formerly known as Redemption tv) sky channel 368. Now my dance troupe Satanic Sluts Xtreme \(add us www.myspace.com/satanicslutsofficial) dominates most of my time aside from some work as a fetish/goth/altenative/glamour model. I have also done some "acting" if you can call it that... in a couple of music videos such as Forever Never's "As I Lie" in which I played a bulimic babestation girl... oh the irony! And when I was 18 I starred in the short internet film "An Australian Vampire in London" both this film and some of my other work are available to view in my blog. I have recently played a prostitute/ glamour model in a high profile tv pilot comedy/drama called "Trollops of Threadneedle Street" I LIKE TO PARTY, I DON'T CARE IF YOU CALL ME A "WASTER" OR EVEN A "GROUPIE" BECAUSE I AM HAVING SO MUCH MORE FUN THAN YOU AND LIVING THIS WAY MAKES ME HAPPY. And you call Brand & Ross sadistic?! What an innocent treasured grandaughter!! Im sure she is hating this media attention. For a girl who wants to build a media career and boasts 'Pole dancing is the best exercise in the world, after sex' on a public site im sure this is a harrowing time.
Richard Windsor - 28/10/2008
Richard Windsor How can the BBC put its name to such childish unfunny tripe that Brand dribbles out every time he opens vile mouth. Take a step back BBC and just analyze the content of this rubbish show................you can do a lot better than this, clear out the DROSS of Brand and Ross sack the pair they will be no ones' LOSS .
Dan Thornton - 28/10/2008
What about the opinions of the 1998500 listeners who either enjoyed the piece, saw it as harmless, or weren't paying attention?
Susan Billinge - 28/10/2008
Isn't this all just a little OTT?
Aroo - 28/10/2008
Like his granddaughters Pollyanna! Oh, the hypocrisy!
Jacquie Bowser - 28/10/2008
Even if Sachs' granddaughter is part of the "Satanic Sluts" group, it doesn't make the phone messages right. Don't try and use her career choice as an excuse for Brand and Ross.
Aroo - 28/10/2008
She'll be in the The News Of The World calling him a lousy lay on Sunday. I fully sympathise with Manuel.
Carl Martin - 28/10/2008
I hate Russell Brand and his material like every other human being, but this has been blown out of proportion. As mentioned, the granddaughters choice of career has nothing to do with and cannot be used to defend the actions taken by the two presenters, however I do sympathise with Sachs on this occasion. Who would you want to see replace Russell Bland?
Levitates - 28/10/2008
It was soooooooo funny. I had to pick myself up off the floor I was laughing so hard. Great entertainment. Can't wait to see what he does next.
Helen Lee - 29/10/2008
Let's all take a chill pill. OK. So it was offensive. But. It has been blown out of all proportion. I do not think that anyone should be sacked. Move on. The lady in question, and I use that description of her with generosity is hardly the type of person who wouldn't welcome a bit of publicity if one takes into account her chosen career choice of a 'dancer' in a group named the satanic sluts. I am sure that she will benefit from it in some way so shut up and put up I say. Well done guys at least in these difficult economic times there are still people pushing the boundaries for a few laughs. Yes, they went a bit too far but we all make mistakes don't we? If there are jobs to lost in this whole overblown debacle then it is the producer of the show who should take responsibility. If people don't like Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross. Switch over to another channel. It is a free country and no one is forcing you to watch or listen.
gotnoteef - 29/10/2008
I don't care for Bland or Woss, they are both over-paid and over-rated \(imo), however, if people want to listen to them, that is their choice. That said, I think it is wrong in the extreme to take shots at people's families on national broadcast media for the purpose of 'entertainment'. I wonder how Bland or Woss would've reacted if, for instance, Noel Fielding and Parki had called and left messages on their answer phones taking the P and stating that they had taken turns on a members of their families - still funny then fellas?
Mr Cheese - 29/10/2008
Im sure his grandaughter is soo cut up about the ordeal....so much so that she sold her story to the sun!
Tom Atkins - 29/10/2008
I say give her a break, a girl has got to eat.
Jonnie - 29/10/2008
sack them both. Overpaid on our TV license fee and the 8 million Ross gets could fund excellent films!!!
Just Trying to Think it Through - 29/10/2008
Jonnie your comments are completly correct, I didn't realize he got paid that much! Certainly highly overpaid over-rated and with his bumpious pudgy face over exposed on our screens, sickening yes, a real Channel Changer for our family.
For the BBC to give him so much of OUR difficult to earn wages and pensions entrusted to them in expectation they are looking after our best interest, well.... it's nothing short of DISGUSTINGLY SHAMEFUL, as License Payers we can't afford to either pay for or permit this ABUSIVE LOUT, money talks and its our money I'm talking about.
DUMP HIM and this ghastly sidekick Hairy-Krishna-Brand, start afresh and look after our money BETTER!
I just listened to the news on TV and they trotted out one TIM SHAW, who's he?, (never heard of him) seems he somehow knows of this situation and he intimated some form of sympathy towards ROSS and belligerently that the now concerned PM and Members of Parliment were somewhat over-excited and something to the effect 'So What! Just overlook it, everyone stop being concerned and Go Away and Stop All the other problems around the UK/World' the news reporter explained this somebody TIM SHAW claim to fame was that he'd been sacked 13 TIMES, well doesn't that just say it all, does that suggest someone (in the entertainments? industry) who keeps re-employing this 'Type' would benefit from a swift and rude form of re-educating.
Jonnie - 29/10/2008
Yes it's strange how they can justify this behavior Denys, i agree. I have to admit i have watched and been entertained by both Ross and Brand, but there comes a time where enough is enough. We are their clients because we pay their wages and do not expect to be humiliated in this way, I cannot imagine how i would feel if i received a call live on the radio with the presenter saying 'I have slept with your daughter'! If I called one of my clients and sid this I would be out of a job tomorrow!! Ok, people can try to justify it's 'entertainment', but no it goes beyond and these 'celebrities' have to learn they cannot have a 'get out of jail free' card any longer. It's always the same celebrities being let off the hook and I say sack them both and find some other talent, of which there are lots, to replace them. Maybe Ross and Brand can write another 'bookie wook' together!
ormiston groove - 29/10/2008
Calm down, Denys, it's nearly time for your medication. We'll have to review your Daily Mail privileges if it gets you in that kind of state.
ormiston groove - 29/10/2008
You two, Jonnie ... honestly, you're as bad as each-other!
TIm Rooke - 01/11/2008
If you did find this offensive and are calling for them to be sacked, I think that you've reached that special time in you're life... Really can't see what the fuss is about at all... Get over it, it wasn't like they physically attacked the guy, it was only a joke and I really think that Sachs isn't that offended... Fucking Gordon Brown getting involved? What's all that about! Get back to trying to fix the mess of this country and mind your own business..