John Cleese urges St Andrews students against Green MSP rector bid

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

John Cleese has urged University of St Andrews students not to vote for Green MSP Q Manivannan as rector, citing past comments on rape.

John Cleese, the Monty Python co-founder and former rector of the University of St Andrews, 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.'

Manivannan's candidacy follows the re-emergence over the summer of podcast comments in which they spoke about the 'demonisation of rape' and claimed rape existed on a 'spectrum'. The remarks sparked outcry. Manivannan, who uses they/them pronouns and represents Edinburgh and Lothians East as an MSP, apologised for any hurt caused but said their comments had been 'maliciously' edited.

Manivannan announced their candidacy on Instagram, stating they would bring 'a chance for our wee town to grow and thrive while rectifying the many injustices being permitted in our name'. They are competing alongside Brian Baumgartner, the actor best known for playing Kevin Malone in the US version of The Office, among six candidates seeking the student vote.

How it is being reported

• John Cleese urges St Andrews students to vote against Q Manivannan as rectorEnglish comedian John Cleese has entered the debate over who should be rector of the University of St Andrews.Daily Record · 13 Oct, 17:07
• John Cleese wades into St Andrews rector race over Green MSP’s past commentsJOHN Cleese has urged students to vote against Green MSP Q Manivannan from becoming the rector of the University of St AndrewsThe National · 13 Oct, 16:49

In this story: John Cleese · Q Manivannan · University of St Andrews · Scottish Green Party · Brian Baumgartner

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