Police detectives investigating Russell Model relating to historic allegations of intercourse crimes have requested prosecutors to think about bringing legal fees in opposition to the media character, based on BBC.
The choice by legislation enforcement stems from a September 2023 investigative report by The Sunday Occasions, The Occasions and Channel 4 Dispatches, which incorporates testimony from 4 ladies who accused the Forgetting Sarah Marshall actor of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse throughout a seven-year interval on the top of his fame in 2006-2013. One of many ladies, none of whom know one another and nearly all of whom spoke on the situation of anonymity, was 16 on the time of the offense. Whereas Model has denied the allegations, the ladies mentioned they felt compelled to talk up given the previous presenter’s newfound platform as a right-wing evangelical influencer, who’s presently promoting a $240 “magical amulet” that wards off Wi-Fi and different “evil energies.”
Since then, police have interviewed Model 3 times. The Metropolitan Police mentioned in a press release to BBC that it had obtained quite a few sexual offense stories from ladies following the unique exposé. “A person in his 40s had been interviewed by officers beneath warning on three separate events,” the group mentioned.
“A file of proof has now been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service for his or her consideration,” the drive added. In the meantime, CPS confirmed that it had obtained the file, clearing the way in which for the consideration of fees.
All through the interval when the crimes are mentioned to have taken place, Model was working as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4. Moreover, he’s a BAFTA-nominated comic and was in movies like Arthur, Rock of Ages, Get Him to the Greek and Despicable Me. Extra just lately, he’s appeared in Loss of life on the Nile, Minions: The Rise of Gru and Catherine Referred to as Birdy.
A lot of media retailers — together with BBC, Channel 4 and manufacturing firm Banijay UK — have apologized or addressed not adequately logging complaints made in opposition to Model all through his varied positions on the corporations.
Earlier this 12 months, Model instructed Tucker Carlson in an interview that he discovered the accusations of “what I take into account to be essentially the most appalling crimes … very hurtful.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose staff is overseeing the investigation, mentioned, “We have now a staff of devoted officers offering specialist help to the ladies who’ve come ahead.” He added that the group is “dedicated to investigating sexual offenses, regardless of how way back they’re alleged to have taken place.”
Following the allegations, BBC and Channel 4 have eliminated materials that includes Model from their websites, whereas YouTube has suspended him from making a living from movies posted to his channel.
