Producer steps back from comedy role after Russell Brand assault trial

Jack Bayles, a producer and head of comedy at Various Artists Limited, has stepped back from his role following allegations that he laughed while Russell Brand sexually assaulted a Channel 4 employee, Variety reported. The incident reportedly occurred in 2009 during a shoot where Brand demanded a massage from the woman.

Court testimony revealed that Bayles and another member of Brand's entourage pressured the woman to comply with Brand's demands, and witnesses said Bayles laughed while Brand put his head on the woman's groin area, according to The Times.

Brand was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape in the trial. Following the verdict, Bayles was removed from projects with BBC and Apple, Deadline reported.

The woman complained to her workplace manager the day after the incident, who testified that Bayles and others watched and laughed during the assault, The Times stated.

Various Artists Limited and other companies have taken action to distance themselves from Bayles in response to the allegations and trial outcome.