John Cleese urges St Andrews students against Q Manivannan as rector
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 20:57 · Archive
John Cleese, a former rector of St Andrews University, has urged students not to support Green MSP Q Manivannan's candidacy for the role.
John Cleese, the Monty Python co-founder and former rector of St Andrews University, has urged students not to support Green MSP Q Manivannan's bid to become rector. Writing on social media, Cleese said: 'As a former rector of St Andrews University I respectfully urge its students not to support someone who tries to understate the appalling psychological effects of rape.'
The appeal follows comments Manivannan made in a podcast last year, which re-emerged over the summer. In those remarks, Manivannan spoke about the 'demonisation of rape' and claimed rape existed on a 'spectrum'. The Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP apologised for any hurt caused but said the comments had been 'maliciously' edited.
Manivannan, who uses they/them pronouns, is one of six candidates standing for the student vote to become rector. They are running alongside Brian Baumgartner, the actor known for playing Kevin Malone in the US version of The Office. The Daily Mail reports that Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser criticised Manivannan for pursuing the external role while failing to hold local surgeries in their constituency since being elected.
How it is being reported
- John Cleese urges St Andrews students to reject controversial Green MSP Q Manivannan for rector roleFormer St Andrews University rector John Cleese has slapped down a controversial Greens MSP's bid for the role.Daily Mail · 13 Oct, 20:40
- John Cleese urges St Andrews students to vote against Q Manivannan as rectorThe actor and comedian, a former rector, accused the Green MSP of trying to ‘understate the appalling psychological effects of rape’.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 16:36
In this story: John Cleese · Q Manivannan · St Andrews University · Brian Baumgartner · Scottish Greens
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