Ross is a really funny comedian and it is not his fault some people found it inappropiate as it is just humour and not to be taken seriously! If it was inappropiate then it is theeditors fault as he allowed it too happen!
good look ross!

Daniel, Birmingham, England

This is beyond pathetic! The BBC have pandered to a narrow minded minority. Brand and Ross are the future of the BBC, what the hell are they going to do now, bring Parky back and get Wogan to stay on for a few more years? Fresh blood is needed to continue the good work that Lesley Douglas started.

JJ, Canada,

The financial crisis is an important issue, but that does not mean that this incident is "petty". The radio announcers' behaviour is a reflection of society's depreciating values, and so, for that matter, are all the comments that infer that money is a more important issue at the moment.

Simon, London, UK

Now that we know the world won't end because (God forbid) Ross isn't going to be on, can we go back to reality? Maybe Ross can bail out a few of us with his vast fortune.

T, Kansas City, US

Far better to ban the Daily Mail - the world would be a much nicer place. I wonder how many people have actually LISTENED to the piece concerned before shouting off about it. It's pretty mild - you'll find far racier stuff on Little Britain. This is a pathetic over reaction by the BBC. Use it boys!

Beverley Cox, Coventry, West Midlands

Is Julian Clary available to cover Mr Ross?

Dr A Craig Frame, Manchester, UK

I am surprised that the British government has the time to get involved in such petty things. Are there not bigger crisis looming- world recession for instance?

Edie, Boulder, USA

The whole thing has been totally blown out of proportion.
Hasn't any one ever heard of a joke!

Russel and Johnathan aren't to blame, the show was obviously screened and if it was that offensive it wouldn't have been shown.

Cloe, Swansea, West Glamorgan

I really can't see the problem, it was just a bit of friendly banter.

Brad, Essex, England

If this crass misconduct is justified as 'pushing the boundaries' in the interests of popular culture, perhaps we should now be looking for creative inspiration among the huddles of sniggering teenage boys making obscene phone calls. Perhaps there's even a Turner prize in it?

Keith LUCAS, High Wycombe,, UK

I think this whole thing had been blown way out of proportion.

I mean, there good comedians because they also cross over the line.

Basically people need to get over it.

Tom, Londonnnn, England

I can't believe a stupid story like this is all over the front pages. Aren't there more important things going on in the world? I think it was a stupid, immature joke, and they should (and have) apologise for it, but I think resignation is unneccesary and talk of legal action? Give me a break!

Becky, London,

Why does the BBC allow itself to be conned by foul-mouthed louts like Ross and Brand. They're not funny. They're not clever. It's our licence money the BBC wastes.
Let's have comedy without cruelty and ditch these crass so-called performers.

Jo, Bath,

I can't believe how much this has all been blown out of proportion. No one is forced to watch/listen to their shows and if you don't like what is being said/done then turn it off. By putting this episode on the news and on the front page of newpapers we are just building their profiles more.

Abbey, Bicester,

Get him ( J. Ross ) off the air. He has turned into a smutty and insidious interviewer. He is bad enough on T. V. but when he brings his brand of disparaging interviews to radio in the morning it's too much. It's not the first time, and unless the BBC does something about him, it will not be the last. The BBC is bigger than this man, and it should show that it is not prepaired to be pulled down to his level by removing him.

Ken Green, Formby, England

BBC ? We don't need it.
Switch off and stop paying.

jasper, chelmsford,

these people are paid to push the boundaries. It is the people at the top that allowed the show to be broadcast in the first place that should lose their jobs. I think the BBC would be a lot less interesting without the likes of JR & RB. I think JR's Friday night show is one of the best on TV.

carl, bri, uk

´sach them Andrew!!!! I would set John Cleese on to them, get them zapped by a real comedian!

maddisone, london, england

The BBC made the decision to broadcast the programme and therefore they are responsible not Brand or Ross

J Lacey, manchester, uk

Of course they both should be sacked this kind of perverted humour is not be acceptable to the vast majority of ordinary people, Just look at the number of people who have
complained and we are the ones who pay their wages.

Don Groves, Leamington Spa, Warks

What seems fairly obvious from the comments above that people seem more outraged that they have to pay for licencing that what was actually said ! Ross and Brand have obviously slipped up but i think sacking is a little to harsh , public apology and forget about it

Matt , Doncaster, England

Get over it, seriously who cares? Whoever takes offence to this must have nothing better to do or worry about in their lives!
It is such a trivial matter, spend your time complianing about more worthy causes that actually mean something.

Vicki, Newcastle,

What %age of normal workers would get fired for gross misconduct for these actions. This went way beyond offensive it was harrassment of the worst kind. In the meantime taxpayers are meant to pay Mr Ross's £18m contract ?? It's worse than paying for the banks.

Roo, London, UK

not sure what all the fuss is about?

tim, london, england

I must say I like Jonathan Ross, but I think he has to be aware that what you can get away with in your 20's and 30's, isn't funny when you are nearing 50. He is beginning to come over as a dirty old man. He should act his age and rethink his act. You aint a youngster any more Jonathan.

E. Greenacre, Grimsby, UK

License payers have no need to employ top entertainers who can find satisfactory positions on the commercial channels.

The BBC should do only these:
1. News and opinion, to provide coverage and alternatives,
2. Quality entertainment that the commercial channals will not, or cannot afford.

J Fred, isle of wight, uk

It wasn't the swearing or the childishness of the Brand/Ross programme that was so offensive. It was the personal and malicious nature of their attack on a man and his granddaughter who had done nothing at all to provoke such behaviour. It has diminished both presenters greatly.

annie, thirsk, england

Cant' believe that this guy is paid 6m and he still can't find something snapy to say to an actors' answering machine...really can't grasp it. However, it's 80% BBC's fault, i believe

George, Santorini, Greece

How on earth can the BBC ignore this and allow Ross to continue as normal? Surely there is some decency to be found at the BBC. Would Tim Davie explain just why it would be wrong to apportion blame at this stage - we've all seen the broadcast - The BBC's new logo " How low can YOU go"

S, Preston, Lancs

It's wonderful to see that the establishment polices and punishes itself with such less alacrity than it does the general population. Schoolchildren would be well advised to try the "let's wait for the enquiry" and "lessons will be learnt" universal get-out-of-jail strategies.

David Masu, Zürich, Switzerland

I accept that jonathan ross has a particular brand of humour amusing to many but he has overstepped the mark. the bbc was 100% wrong to let it go out but it reveals a viciousness in ross and brand that will lose them the public support that put them where they are

roger filtness, sudbury, uk

How is personal abuse funny ?. In fact these calls were illegal and if the BBC is not seen to be supporting the law then they may themselves be in breach of about four regulations I can think of. The reality of it is the BBC's policy of "dumbing down" has finally blown up in their face , and badly.

James, Windsor, Berks

although the incident was in very poor taste, this public outcry is not all about the phone calls. it was the catalyst that people needed to show how they feel about RB, JR and the likes. these egocentric, lude presenters are not welcome by the masses any more. it's time for them to go.

Sue , Uxbridge,

the BBC is displaying a complete disregard of the public. They have failed to act saying they need to investigate!! Just listen to the broadcast. They either agree with the public or there employees

Mike, Sole Street, England

10,000 complaints? PM complains? Leader of the opposition complains? Really?

How about the murder of a charity worker in Kabul last week? What did these 10,000 + 2 complainers think of that?

Seems like we need people like JR and RB to lighten us up on such trivial stuff.

Gordon Oakley, Crawley, UK

Don't our politicians have better things to do?

Steve, Cambridge,

What shocked me most was that a number of people when interviewed for their reaction didn't understand what the fuss was about - and apparently found the incident funny.Have we become so shallow as a society that mocking and belittling people is seen as funny?

GM Hogarth, Narbonne, France

It seems that this whole issue stopped being about the actual call the moment it gained mass media coverage. What it has now become is a feeding frenzy. Braying newspapers are vying with politicians to spew out automated responses to feed the insatiable hunger of the moronic British public.

Rory Booth, Lincoln, England

Why fire russel brand? we all make mistakes in our jobs so what good is firing somebody? a fine will do and an apology broadcasted. Don't you people have any better things to do other than moan about some stupid mistake.

Jamie Winch, Salisbury, Wiltshire

This was a childish prank - not a murder, so let's get our priorities in check. When was the last time a serious news event created this much fuss?

I'm really sick of people demanding for others to be sacked. Pre-media storm, 2 complaints, now 10,000 and counting ... it's just ugly bitterness.

T Davies, Newport, UK

The BBC is financed by public money and has a duty not to descend to lowest-common-denominator reporting. To say "dont like dont watch" would be fine if it was a pay-for-view channel. I dont like slease and dont watch Ross or any other similar person or channel. But I dont like paying for it either.

Tony, Guildford, UK

When things aren't going well in the country, there is nothing like a good public lynching to cheer everyone up.

John, London,

Liam, Dan, Andy, Jonny - missed the point! Ross and Brand 's celebrity status and disrespectful sense of "humour", richly rewarded by OUR, the taxpayers' money, is all that is wrong wth Britain today. And yes, Mary, it is far too trivial for the PM to be involved: the BBC must sack them immediately.

Carol, Haywards Heath, UK

Quite outrageous and totally unacceptable. The following are required:-

1. Public apology from DG Thompson followed by his resignation.
2. Sacking of Ross and Brand

This is the bare minimum - NOTHING LESS WILL DO

alex, forres, uk

Radio is like any other medium: we get whatever quality of material we're prepared to accept. If listeners weren't wasting their time tuning in to this kind of pap, the BBC wouldn't air it. If the demand was for heavyweight geopolitical analysis, that's what we'd get. So who's really to blame here?

G. Walsh, London, UK

Nothing but retrospective hysteria whipped up by the media. Few things more depressing than a mob swept up in faux offence about something those haven't seen, or sought out just to be offended by it.

They've apologised.

World hunger? violence on the streets? wars? More important maybe

Matt, oldbury, uk

Can we have some REAL news please?

John, London,

I don't understand some responses . " Don't tune in " ... hmmm , how would this stop the abuse of innocent people ? If no-one had been listening , Mr Sachs would still have received this call , is abuse ok if only those listening find it funny ? Are knife victims at fault for going outside too ?

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

They should be sacked

Mike S, London,

Well said Harry from Brighton! The BBC and these pathetic presenters don't get a penny from me as I have no reason to require a TV 'licence'.

It says it all when the licence fee keeps going up and they are paying Ross £6m a year. Ban the licence fee and let the BBC fund itself.

Anderson, Lancashire,

"The BBC is under unprecedented pressure to crack down after an intervention by the Prime Minister..."

What is worrying here is that all a Prime Minister has to do is issue a statement and then the BBC feels it is under pressure to act. That is way too much power in the hands of one man.

Sean, Surrey, UK

Every day, we programme presenters announce that, regarding critical issue, no one from the Government is available for comment.

And yet, ministers are available to comment on the behaviour of Messrs. Brand & Ross - a (relatively) trivial issue which really is none ogf their concern.

Robert, Hull, UK

Lets not start a war over this and see it for what it really is. They made a mistake, they need to apologise to everyone involved (including the public if you feel your life has been altered by this) and move on.Most people have done things that were wrong. They tend to be the loudest complainers...

Charlie, Guildford, UK

When I read the transcipt it was less offensive than I expected based on the ludicrous media over-reaction.

Whilst childish and foolish, the person who should be sacked is the BBC manager who approved the broadcast. Brand and Ross knew it was pre-recorded & could assume it would be edited.

Elain, Glasgow,

I think Ross' £6m salary could be better spent on some good quality programmes (which I believe is the remit of the BBC) rather than the tosh that Ross serves up every week.

Liam, Horsham, UK

While Jonathan Ross might be a skilled broadcaster, he definite lowers the standards that many of us have come to expect from the BBC. We also object to such an individual being paid an obscenely large income from licence payers money. He should go.

John Murphy, Bournemouth,

I have never found Ross very professional, compared with Wogan , Parkinson or even Chris Evans he is very silly and not original. In the light of the current financial crisis the pathetic pair should be sacked immediately certainly NOT suspended on full pay.

g sheriff, brighton, UK

10,000 people have nothing better to do with their lives. This is getting way out of control... It is pointless and an embarrassment that the people who govern this country are getting involved in such a banal issue.

Sarah, London, UK

I am so glad everyone who is complaining listened to the show... Whats that? You didn't? You weren't mortally offended during the on air broadcast but now feel righteous indignation. Excellent. So British. So perverse. Get over yourselves.

Ian, Fleetwood, Fleetwood

If this was another company you'd get some self righteous BBC reporter demanding they be sacked.

william Haines, Northwood,

That we should have our license fee spent on this is appalling. I say privatise the BBC and let me spend it on heating my house. Let the markets pay for this. Where will they go next as the they push the envelope of decency to new levels of depravity? Stop it now and ask them to clear their desks.

Peter, Nottingham, England

Simple solution: sack them.

Or at least fine them a years pay.

Pete, Navenby, UK

Sorry... WHAT... It was offensive but also supposed to be in humour.
What do you expect from Brand and Ross - their humour has always been dark. Give them a break, Brand has already apologised, end of story... as for Gordon Brown, he has lost my vote - shouldnt he have better things to do???

Glenda, Wanstead, England

If the BBC were a commercial station, advertisers would have removed their backing days ago.

Public Sector Broadcasting in the UK ? Arrogant, Complacent, and Yobbish because they are assured of the revenue from the compulsory license fees.

It needs to change, and change fast

anna, camberley, uk

I find it astonishing that this particular incident has caused this much of a stir. This dynamic is a regular occurence on the Russell Brand show.

As a PRE-booked guest, dont you think Andrew Sachs knew what to expect with Brand? Understood his humor?

I think Georgina certainly did.

Tom, Worthing, UK

Equity members should be ashamed to work with these two. Their cards should withdrawn.

Michaela, Southampton,

Surely there are bigger things to worry about than a joke that was inappropriate. I guess all those people wanting Ross/Brand to be sacked are jealous of what they earn. License fee is not just used for salaries but also for excellent programmes. Can we have some perspective here, please?

Franziska, Sevenoaks,

Until we know the full facts, I fully support Ross and (begrudgingly) Brand to entertain in this way. When we do know the full facts, then you can all make a judgement.

Martin, maidenhead, UK

Brand and Ross should be sacked. It isn't the content of the programme but the insolence and irresponsiblity of leaving abusive messages on someone's phone. If you sign up for it okay, but this man didn't. If this isn't gross misconduct what is? If you or I did it we'd be out of a job instantly.

Wendy, London,

Both have shown themselves as thoroughly unpleasant people, who lack basic decency and respect for women and they shouldn't be paid using taxpayer's money.

sarah, London, UK

To the 10000 people who complained - did you actually listen to Russel Brand's show as it was being aired? People who do know exactly what to expect.

To Mr Brown, are you going to swing behind the public outrage regarding your performance as PM and resign? At the very least get on with your job.

Chris, London,

Another article on this site says that the granddaughter hasn't even spoken to Sachs. Surely that indicates that neither of them are especially bothered? She's had time to give interviews after all. Brand is not funny, but this is his regular routine so why the fuss now?

Rachel Wickenden, London,

Yes, the comments were offensive and both presenters should have exercised more control. However as this was a pre-recorded programme and what I want to know is why the producer let allowed the show to go on air? Did Brand & Ross know that if would be broadcasted without editing?

Mark, Liverpool,

This is a witch hunt. Apologese have been made, people should calm down now. There are far more troubling things happening then this act of childish behaviour.

kelly, london, uk

I believe that these individuals should be dismissed and so too should the person who deemed the programme suitable for broadcasting. After all, it was a pre-recorded programme.

Walter Gray, Glasgow,

Another thing, I don't agree with what they done but it's not bullying..it only seems to be bullying when the public love a actor from an ancient programme. for example heather mills gets it all in the newspapers because she is divorced to paul who is loved worldwide..but oh no thats not bullying!!

Jamie Winch, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Is the problem that they conducted such a personal 'attack' or that the BBC let it be aired? The BBC's lack of editing responsibility has become the story, not what they did in the first place ! Surely its how Mr Sach's family feel, not what some jobsworth at the BBC did or didnt do, that counts.

Dave, Gloucestershire,

the real obscenity is their salary, and this is the reason for the outcry. ross is paid more than the best footballers, out of our license fees. The BBC should pledge to cap salaries at a reasonable maximum.

Faizal , london,

Can people please calm down. Surely there are more important matters in the world today? A mistake was made. An apology was given. It was accepted. Why should heads roll? because a media furore has been created? It is sad when the media drives peoples opinions from sanity

stuart, exeter,

These comments by Brand & Ross shows them up as misogynists and sexists. Get rid of them both. I checked Baillie's profile on Bebo yesterday and found dozens of people had left her insulting and derogatory comments. This hate campaign against her is the result Brand and Ross's actions.

Kat, Cambridge,

I am amazed at the comments of people who really think this is 'nothing' and that we should 'get over it.' There are limits. There really, really are. Foul-mouthed bullying of the elderly and powerless on state-funded radio in the hours of daylight is beyond the pale. Brand and Ross must go.

Ruth Parsons, Cambridge, UK

I believe Brand, Ross. etc have formed a sycophantic celeb club where the "comedy" is based on bullying and humiliating people who have litter right of reply and do not have the status or ability to challenge them or defending themselves. Its not edgy its safe and displays bullying arrogance.

Mark, Oxford, UK

Yes, Brand and Ross said some things which offended Sachs and his granddaughter but they have apologised and that should be the end of the matter. Get some perspective people, if you don't like them, you are not forced to listen/watch so switch off and shut up and leave the rest of us to enjoy!

Sarah Gerard, London,

I always thought the prime function of humour was to be funny. Wind-ups of this kind simply arn't funny. They are designed to degrade and humiliate, and encourage people to laugh at - not with - the subject. They are closer to bullying than any form of humour.

Simon Baines, Milton Keynes, UK

If Russell had been with his usual co-host Matt Morgan this would never have happened as Matt never lets it go too far and always reigns him in. But it is time Russell learnt to stand on his own two feet and learn that the humiliation of fellow man is never funny. Both should be sacked.

Vicky, Guildford, UK

For God's sake, shouldn't the Prime Minister be doing his job rather than worrying about trivial matters like Russell Brand's radio show? Although I feel for Georgina, this has been completely blown out of proportion. Why does everyone care so much?

Anna Leszkiewicz, Cheltenham, England

If the prospective guests on each of their 'shows' were to refuse to appear then this would give the right message. Unfortunaely some of the guests will do anything for the exposure so this won't happen.
In any other organisation both of them would have been suspended and dismissed for terrible co

Erik Hughes, Norwich, Norfolk

Some of it was innapropriate yes ill admit, but hasnt it gone just a little to far. Everybody seems to want to have a go at them, even the prime minister. (Which im sure he has better things to deal with, how about he focuses on the recession) This is not a big deal at all. Get over it people.

Kate, Aberdeen, Scotland

Sacking either of them would be a big mistake and a massive overreaction. They're both very funny comedians, 'though I think Ross knows he's in Brand's shadow and was struggling to compete, hence he egged him on.

I must say I'm really enjoying reading the "morally outraged" comments people write!

Alastair Johnson, Alicante, Spain

I don't agree with the BBC on this. How do I cancel my subscription please?

Frank Allen, Warrington,

What has happened is a mirror of the modern society.
There are certain members in society who believe that they can do what they want
We are breading arrogance and such people equate it with intelligence.

Scrap the licence fee.

Leo, Birmingham, England

If thousands of viewers find Brand and Ross creative and funny and think their skills are worth so much money, what does it say about their own values and attitudes?

bob wilkinson, milnthorpe, uK

Will the BBC show any moral backbone and sack them?

R. F. Chamberlain, Leeds, UK

The 'if you don't like it, don't tune in' argument fails, when decent people are publicly abused on their answering machines. How does not tuning in stop that?

Charles Bockett-Pugh, Sandhurst, UK

We've endured filth and sexual inuendos from this pair for too long. The only good to come from this disgusting event would be to see them both banned from mainline television. But, that would take the kind of grit I feel the TV bosses lack. In most industries it would hapen as a matter of course

Derrick Fellowes, Langdon Hills, England

The question is how did the producer of the show let these taunts be aired - surely there is a process to go through before allowing pre-recorded material on the radio? I am not saying Brand and Ross are not to blame but there must be a collection of people who knew the content prior to going live!

Robbie, Belfast, UK

Skilled people will always find a way to make a " Pop" at the established figures entertaining. We have been at the mercy of a financial elite who,we understood,were clever. We know they were not. Wake up!! managers of the " Princess Clothes" your clients and their ilk are talent bankcrupts.

A R Morrison, lincoln,

Sack the pair of them, IMMEDIATELY

J. fogarty, Bury, Lancs

So many complaints – so many people with nothing better to do. Having seen Brand’s stand up and heard his radio show I can assure you he’s said a lot worse than that.

Neil Atkinson, T Wells,

This is public harrassment. It is not the first time Ross has been offensive to someone on air/TV - and to be paid £6 million!! That's alot of new programmes that people might like.

CA, Manchester, UK

It's good to see our PM hasn't got bigger things to worry about - I guess the economy's sorted now?

Angus, Broadway, United Kingdom

Raises the question about why we pay such a lot for the license fee. These people are paid large sums of mone as they are top in the field and thus can reasonably be expected to "get it right". clearly they cannot and so clearly they do not warrant us paying they such sums.

Ian, Norwich,

We the license payers are effectively their bosses. I say sack them, I certainly don't want MY money spent on them.

Roo, London,

Fine imposed on BBC will only mean that Licence fee payers money goes towards the fine.
Instead heads should roll and certainly the perpetrators of this sick humour should be removed from the air and TV. Did Brands humour not fail in USA.

Shivaram, Coventry, UK

Give Russell a break! Surely there are more important things going on in the world.
Get over it, Russell say you’re sorry and let us all get on. It’s nearly Christmas!

Katrina Connell , London , United Kingdom

Everyone who complains has a right to complain as Ross is paid handsomely by the tax payers...... In times when proper broadcasting is being cut....hopefully these will be banished to UK Living station or something

If I paid my license fee, I wouldnt in protest at these two monkeys.....

kt, Edinburgh, UK

I'm amazed by the number of people making this 'if you don't like it, don't tune in' argument. It's like saying if you don't like animal cruelty, don't go to a cock-fight. True, but it doesn't make it right.

Jonathan, London,

The point is we are forced to pay a licence fee under threat to pay for junk we don't want to watch or listen to, and a barrage of political bias. Take away the offensive compulsory tax.

Harry, Brighton,

The point is that two self-important young men verbally attacked an elderly gentleman without giving him a chance to defend himself. Had this been a physical assault the act would rightly be condemned by everyone, including their present supporters. This was a cowardly attack by bullies. Sack them.

Micky Gwilliam, London, UK

Too far! Brand and Ross went too far and it's about time this sort of thing was clamped down on. What kind of an impression are they making on an already wayward section of our society? Ignorance breeds ignorance and there is enough of this sort of garbage out there already.

Fiona, Inverness, UK

Brand and Ross are a disgrace to the BBC. I do not wish to be forced to pay a licence for BBC TV if it goes on payment to these sort of characters. I say this is a good time for us all to stand against TV licencing.

Sheila, Frome, Somerset

The issue for me is that these guys are infantile, and just not funny. Lines such as "But it was consensual and she wasn’t menstrual..." might (just might) have made me snigger in the playground when I was 12, but as a "grown-up" I expect much, much better of the so-called "Talent"

Homer, London,

Nothing will happen to these couple of foul-mouthed celebrity heavy-weights because they are protected by a circle of gutless cronyism. All this furore only serves to elevate tv ratings for the BBC. What? I'm wrong?

Cynthia, guildford, uk

So the PM gets involved anyone would think that there is not a recession going on he should spend his time trying to sort out the economic crisis instead of wasting his time over trivial matters.

Max, Birmingham,

I am glad everyone is complaining. This type of behaviour cannot be tolerated. The message must be passed now.

Anne, nottingham,

Outrageous! how can Mr Thompson not be available for comment, the buck stops at his desk, has he no decency, or grandchildren of his own. I'd flogg them all it's time to bury the BEEB thats one tax less to pay.

douglas blackwell, Ashford, Kent

"if you don't like this kind of material, don't listen". How complacent. This was a nasty, vicious, personal attack on people who couldn't the at time defend theselves, and I deeply resent that these deeply unpleasant people receive their salaries in part from me. Comedy? Don't make me laugh.

Jacues Francis, Westcott, Surrey

The BBC makes me sick!
it refers to "Communist Cuba"
This remark is not only inaccurate but offence because it isn't. Its a country trying to establish Socialism against Britain and the US embargo.
Alternatively could the BBC refer to "Capitalist Britain" except it would be a very sick joke.

Giles Wynne, Lincoln, UK

Now we know Brown's priorities!
He claims he is the experienced one to lead us out of the current economic mees, for which he is partly to blame: instead he is fireing from the hip at every opportunity in the hope his tattered reputation can be rescued.

William, London,

I was equally offended, a few weeks ago, by very unpleasant insults to Ray Davies during an interview for BBC Radio 6. The person responsible was called George Lamb. He ought to go too.

J D Budd, Taunton,

I think Ross should be sacked . I;m disgusted that I as a license payer are paying his wages. I refuse to listen to his shows as he is not entertaining. he is a complete waste of license payers money. Just think what better programmes we could have for the millions that he is paid.

zylon, northampton,

Just why is this such a huge issue? I guess it makes a change from featuring the recession, but jesus Britain - get a grip!

Dan, Portsmouth,

Entertainers, artists and leftists generally are rebels by nature. Inside every rebel a tyrannical bully screams to get out. With the BBC now in full leftist mode, of course it would encourage bullying by entertainers of innocents who cannot defend themselves against the might of the Beeb.

Gillian Smith, London,

Yes absolutely disgusting. I blame the government, would not have happened in my day. I am surprised there was only 10,000 complaints... infact where's that number!?!?

Tuggy Sidi, Makati, Philippines

sack them or it will get worse

richard, PORTSMOUTH,

It is fascinating to contrast the "intellectually independent" BBC's behaviour in this situation with its grovelling self-censorship over matters islamic.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

So they made comments about Georgina Baillie AKA Voluptua of the Group the Satanic Sluts - could it not be a bit of a PR stunt?

Edward, Newbury, UK

Get rid

Malc, Derby,

Has Mr Sachs reported this incident to the police? If not ,why not? Take it out of the hands of the spineless BBC bosses, let justice take its own course, defend yourself and the good name of your Granddaughter.

lawrence, warrington, cheshire

A BBC executive once stated that the BBC believes in a multi cultural society and will actively promote it. In order to perpetuate such nonsense it pays its promoters obscene levels of pay. Its cash the BBC really believes in. Insults and arrogance along the way won't disturb filthy minds.

paul02, London, UK

Is it really normal for so-called lotharios to go round naming the women they have bedded as though they just another notch on the bedstead ? And on national radio? And in sneering tones to her grandfather ? On any view. this is despicable behaviour towards the girl and her grandfather and an abuse.

jasper shawcross, london,

I've followed Brand from the beginning - while he was occasionally funny on the way up, once he achieved a degree of 'fame' he's been the unfunniest comedian around. He is past his used by date. And as far as Ross is concerned, who ever approved that ridiculous pay package? Time for both to go.

James, London,

They should go and so should the producer. If they had behaved that way face to face they would have been seen as yobs and that is what they are.

David Proud, Solihull, West Midlands

I don't understand the appeal of Ross, still less of Brand.
Ross is a motormouth who appears to have little of substantive worth to say. His interviews are usually shambolic. Both men rely on gratuitous insult, innuendo and coarseness. If this is "holding up a mirror to nature", heaven help us.

Elizabeth, Sydney, Australia

I've watched Ross while on holiday in Scotland. He is funny and very English, being totally unable to pronounce his "r's" It sounds like it was totally inane and in bad taste, but quite frankly does it warrent the input of the PM and the opposition leader. Sounds like Brown is remaking himself.

jim mccallum, calgary, canada

If only the comments were made by a minority then the BBC would have said nothing as usual.

mark, leeds,

Maybe this is what people need who cannot express how they feel about USA Politics/Credit Crunch and subjects that really matter. Please, get a grip! Off course it was uncouth and unnecessary but it's a Radio show with Russel Brand. If you know him - expect the expected or don't tune in Simple as!

Lianne Harvey, Warminster, UK

The priminister has seen fit to comment on this trivial matter of an ill judged prank telephone call. What despicable cynicism to appeal to the rent-a-mob mentality. Mandelson escaped any censure from Brown for his latest deceit - political hypocrisy is a worse crime than crude, schoolboy humour.

Angie, London,

An investigation is yet another obvious waste of our money, and an indication that the BBC will not sack Brand and Ross.

What exactly needs investigating? I think the tape says it all.

They should be sacked, but will probably only have to admit to 'an error in judgement' or something.

Joe, Preston,

Having read the transcript it sounds as if they were both on something....

Richard, Swansea, UK

I am totally fed up with government intervention in every part of our lives. First Gordon Brown is reviewing every single bank loan & bonus payment to bank staff.

Is he now also going to personally read all BBC script before being aired. What next?

Get out of my life you horrible little man!

Steve Procter, Barcelona, Spain

well it is obvious to me that that nice Mr Ross,who is such a quiet and unassuming chap was led astray and goaded into it by that upstart and charlatan wassisname.
Anyway I though manuel was used to this sort of abuse.

david devonport, Great Yarmouth, UK

I live in Australia, and just read a transcript of the whole thing and I think it was pretty funny. And as George pointed out, this wouldn't be the first time prank phone calls have been broadcast.. and are they bullying their victims? Probably, but is it any different to this? Definitely not.

Martin Booth, Melbourne, Australia

I hope the young lady involved sues them and the BBC for ever cent she can get ,if she was my sister i would in jail now for murder. And id gladly go SACK all involved including the spineless boss. They make me sick.And a personal sorry from me to Georgina, see how easy it is to say sorry !! .

Dave Edwards, Swan hill, AUSTRALIA

The BBc has gone the way of or the Canadian CBC has followed the BBC and forgot who pays their wages and who decides what constitutes manners.

I still think opening doors for Ladies is OK, taking my hat off in an elevator when ladies are present and not swearing or using obsenities good and right

Frank Madigan, Capreol, Canada

I can't believe what all the fuss is about. I thought it was funny and I don't think Andrew Sachs will be that offended. What do people expect when you put 2 big personalities in a room such as Brand and Ross, As for the PM getting involved he has more pressing matters at hand!

Liam, Harrogate, UK

This really ain't front page news. In fact, it ain't news as the "offending" broadcast was 10 days ago. What difference (as far as the listener is concerned) is there between whether real messages were left on Sachs's voicemail or just the pretence of doing so. Sachs deserves an apology; that's all.

andy, York,

This story has blown way out of proportion! Surely the PM has more pressing economic matters to keep him occupied? They are comedians and it was pre-recorded. Therefore it was approved before airing. It would seem that people are taking this matter so seriously- which really is the funniest part.

Mary, london, uk

the only reason there is such outrage is because of people just disliking russell brand and jonathan ross. they are both very good broadcasters but their humour can cause offense and although they went too far this time, the amount of fuss it has caused shows how ridiculous the public are.

dan, nottingham,

Amazing, so few people complained at the time - splash it over the papers and use the wonderful i-Player against its makers = 10,000

If you don't like their banter - don't listen, simple.

Imagine how much license fee is to be wasted investigating this. Our country really saddens me sometimes.

Jonny, Hunan Province, China

It's about time that Jonathan Ross was removed from our TV screens. He's well past his sell by date and his one track sexual line of comedy is becoming a real bore. I think the licence payer is getting a raw deal here.

Tim, Cambridge, UK

Sack the producer, fine the both of them and tell them that if either of them crosses the line again then they're done.

A genuine public apology should be broadcasted from the both of them and maybe compensation for Sachs and his granddaughter are in order.

Brad, East Anglia, UK

Its quite easy really.
There are Jokes and there are jokes, taking pot shots at public figures has been the norm since satire was invented.
In this case, the boundary has been crossed into the realms of indencecy and highlight the degeneration of standards of what people think as being acceptable.

A1, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Bullying and obscenity are not nothing, Elabi Rimington. I wonder what sort of fuss you would make if they were levelled at you (or your family).

skingsley, London, UK

They're a waste of license payers money. Sack them!

Jovan, Edmonton, AB, CANADA

In Europe and the US we really need to revise the standards for public broadcasting. We cannot continually complain about the education of our children and young adults while providing them with this kind of material in the media, or with role models such as Big Brother star types. Enough is enough.

Jose Maria, Granada, Spain

Get rid of these radio bullies, there is plenty of real talent out there waiitng to replace them - more power to the listeners - it is our license money after all.

Liz Prosser, Tregaron, Ceredigion

The fuss is not about nothing. One of the key issues is that it is the taxpayers money that is being spent on this. If they are not happy with their money being spent this way then something ought to be done. 10,000 complaints- that is incredibly high, no?

Lindsey, Dongguan, UK

Well you're the ones who watch/listen to their shows so you (the public) give them the power.
If the Beeb sack them then they'll get bigger salaries over the road. What great publicity.
You get what you deserve. If you choose to make them rich and famous then you only have yourselves to blame.

Peter, Brisbane, Australia

The most interesting part of the story is the nature of the 'joke' which implies that the granddauter is property which 'was' sort of stolen or damaged. Not only was that message sent but it was also accepted by public, judging by the reaction. So, it seems that public sneers at its own reflection.

JaneZ, Surgut, Russia

As a grandparent my heart goes out to this poor man. No one would want to know the sexual history of their granddaughter. Shame on the BBC for not sacking these men straight away. It just reflects how the standers of our country are slipping away, while normal people standby and looks on

martin, Reading, Berkshire

Mark Thompson says nothing. Tim Davie throws platitudes around about it being too soon to decide if action should be taken. Is there anybody at the BBC who takes responsibility for anything?

This incident is just one too many. The BBC has sunk as low as people will tolerate. Its time for change.

Phil, Liverpool, UK

Oh look the BBC have given the role of producer to someone who is clearly not up to the job .That either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross are super stars earning large mounts of money denotes the current meagre state of popular British culture Ignore them and maybe they wil go away:)

M Boettcher, Durham,

Ofcom will probably impose a hefty fine ..... which should be paid out of the pockets of the BBC trustees and Director General , and not the public through higher license fees. If individuals are liable for the consequences, they'll pay more attention and ensure this drivel doesn't get aired.

Ian, Portland, OR, USA

a few weeks ago I sent an Email to the BBC trust regarding the actions of Ross,Norton, and Ramsey and asked for something to be done including the sacking of Ross and Norton Obviously nothing has been done whatsoever. I am fearful that the same non-action will be taken over this latest episode.

Henry Peaper, Stubbington, England

This is just another example of how, so far as the question "what is the BBC for" is concerned, BBC management has the wrong answer. The same kind of material is available on commerical channels which are not subsidied by a license fee. How are Russel Brand and Jonathan Ross a public service?

Andrew Undershaft, London, UK

I honestly can't believe the level of outrage this has caused. Why is the PM intervening in such a minor event? A comedian being offensive. This is news? Perhaps the PM (and the outraged public) could get behind more outrageous and newsworthy items such as the economic free fall, high crime, etc

Andrew R, Maidstne, UK

Tim Davie ... said that ..it would be wrong to apportion blame at this stage.

Sorry, I was under the impression that two people said things that were inappropriate and offensive. Who else was to blame?

Someone agreed to air it, they too have an element of blame, but 2 people said the words

Craig Golby, Birmingham, UK

The whole story is verging on the rediculous. If it wasn't for the so called 'victims' fame, nobody would be paying any attention to the incident what so ever. Brand can call anyday and poke fun at my family. Feel free. Because fankly my dear, I don't give a damn. Sense of humour, seriously.

David McMorrine, London,

How the Prime Minister of a country can get involved in the affairs of a broadcasting company (albeit public) is beyond me. Isn't there something else he should be doing (...recession, falling exchange rates, huge jump in foreclosure rates...) instead of taking part in this farce?

Samuel Lee, Victoria, Canada

Brand & Ross are too full of themsleves and have shown in the past that they are not really sorry for their insults and type of humour. I hope the BBC doesn't let them get away with their behaviour. How easy it was for them to offer their apologies - did Brand actually apologise to Andrew Sachs?

Michael, London,

Sack both of them and the producer who allowed it to go out

Tim Howell, Thornton heath, Surrey

Just don't forget - they are doing this with OUR tax money !

Chris, London,

Ross is experienced and well enough paid to know what is appropriate. This is clearly an error of judgement for which he should offer his resignation.

Dave, London,

Instead of conducting a "full investigation' why doesn't the BBC consult all the TV license payers in the country? Simple question like: sack them yes/no? and a phoneline.
On second thoughts forget it, they'd probably rig the phones.

SarahN., London, UK

Sack them. This is not what public service broadcasting is about. We really don't need to pay these people 6 million a year for being revolting. Can we spend it on some decent drama?

tris, DUNDEE,

what a lot of fuss about nothing

Elabi Rimington, Southampton, England