John Cleese urges St Andrews students against Manivannan for rector
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:02 · Archive
John Cleese has urged St Andrews University students not to elect Green MSP Q Manivannan as rector.
Actor John Cleese, a former rector of St Andrews University, has urged students not to elect Green MSP Q Manivannan to the same position. Cleese's intervention followed controversial comments Manivannan made in a podcast last year about rape existing on a 'spectrum' and the 'demonisation of rape'. Cleese, co-founder of Monty Python, posted on social media: '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, who uses they/them pronouns, apologised earlier this year for the remarks, saying they had been 'maliciously' edited and taken out of context. The MSP is one of six candidates running to become rector at St Andrews, alongside actor Brian Baumgartner, known for playing Kevin Malone in the US version of The Office.
In a pitch to voters, Manivannan said they would seek to improve bus travel for students, end 'insecure staff contracts', push for more affordable housing, and support Scottish students 'alongside queer and racially minoritised students'. Manivannan also referenced the current rector, Stella Maris, calling for rectification of 'injustices being permitted in our name'.
How it is being reported
- Monty Python actor John Cleese calls on students to reject Edinburgh MSP uni rector bidManivannan announced they would run to become rector of St Andrews UniversityEdinburgh Live · 13 Oct, 18:53
- John Cleese urges St Andrews students not to elect Q Manivannan as rectorThe actor and former rector of St Andrews says the MSP has understated the psychological effects of rape.BBC Edinburgh East And Fife · 13 Oct, 17:29
- John Cleese urges St Andrews University students not to vote for Q Manivannan as rectorThe co-founder of Monty Python has seized on remarks made by the MSP about the “spectrum” of rape, which the politican then apologised for and said had been taken out of contextThe Scotsman · 13 Oct, 17:04
In this story: John Cleese · Q Manivannan · St Andrews University · Brian Baumgartner · Stella Maris · Monty Python
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