Ofcom Looking Into Russell Brand Prank Call

Launches Inquiry

U.K. broadcasting regulator OFCOM is launching an inquiry into a phone prank pulled by BBC RADIO 2 host/actor/comedian RUSSELL BRAND and guest JONATHAN ROSS on BRAND's OCTOBER 18th show. 

BRAND and ROSS called actor ANDREW SACHS (best known as "MANUEL" on "FAWLTY TOWERS") when SACHS did not show up for an interview and left a profane voicemail involving BRAND claiming to have slept with SACHS' exotic-dancer granddaughter. The call, aired on the pre-recorded show, drew outrage and headlines in British tabloids; the BBC has issued an apology to SACHS for the show.  

BRAND apologized for another prank call earlier this year after he called police from the stage in NOTTINGHAM during his standup show and claimed that he had seen a man responsible for a series of assaults.  His performance at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in HOLLYWOOD, including sharp attacks on President BUSH and the JONAS BROTHERS, drew mixed notices.

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