On October 18 Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross got into a lot of trouble with the BBC after they called 78 year-old Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs, and left crude messages. One message said that Russell had intercourse with Sachs’ 23-year-old granddaughter Georgina Baillie. Ross then suggested Sachs might kill himself when he listened to the message.

Aspiring model Miss Baillie, who dances in a burlesque troop called Satanic Sluts, branded the presenters’ behavior "despicable". Baillie also admitted she had slept with Brand. Miss Bailie added that she felt "totally and utterly exposed and betrayed" by the calls.

Since the show was broadcast it received 27,000 complaints. The most disturbing part is that the show had been prerecorded, then aired later.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General issued the following statement:

"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2. This is not a marginal case. It’s clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view. This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers."

The Prime Minister then said:

“This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behavior, as is now widely recognized. Ofcom have said they will investigate the matter and it is for the BBC, the BBC Trust and Ofcom to take any appropriate action.”

Russell Brand resigned from the radio show, and said he took "full responsibility" for the prank and declared:

"I only do that radio show to make people laugh."

"Obviously it’s gone beyond the point where I do that and I’m making people unhappy and angry and sad. So I’d like to not do that radio show any more."

Explaining why he made the calls, Brand said:

"I got a bit caught up in the moment."

"I forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big hearted young woman."

Ross, who was suspended by the BBC, said:

"I am deeply sorry and greatly regret the upset and distress that my juvenile and thoughtless remarks on the Russell Brand show have caused."

"I have not issued a statement previously because it was my intention and desire to offer an apology to all those offended on my Friday night program."

"However, it was a stupid error of judgment on my part, and I offer a full apology."

Sachs said he was not "out for revenge," but did say that he respected Brand’s decision to stand down.

Mr Sachs said he would not take the matter any further, saying of Brand:

"I hope he moves forward, I really hope he does."

This is what happens when professional humor crosses over into childishness.

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