Russell Brand conviction prompts Nandy to warn industry on abuse

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 16:36 · Archive

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says sexual abuse like Russell Brand's crimes is probably still happening in entertainment today.

Russell Brand, a 51-year-old comedian and former television and radio host, was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his showbiz career. He used his influence, status and fame to prey on and exploit women, according to police. He faces sentencing on Monday.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said that similar sexual abuse is probably happening in the entertainment industry today. Speaking on Sky News and the BBC, she warned that the media industry has not learned lessons from the case and that women who come forward with allegations are often not adequately protected by institutions.

Nandy told the BBC that women from organisations including the BBC have approached her personally to allege that abuse has happened to them. She said there has been no meaningful change in how media and entertainment organisations deal with those who bravely come forward, despite recent high-profile cases.

She highlighted that power imbalances in media and entertainment, where people often work on short-term flexible contracts and reputation is key to career advancement, mean that speaking up comes at a very heavy cost to those involved.

Nandy called on all organisations to sign up to CISA, an industry body that protects whistleblowers. She told Sky News that the government would consider mandating action if organisations do not do so voluntarily. The Guardian reports that the BBC has taken action in recent years, though other organisations still need to take the issue seriously.

Brand is under investigation for two further rape allegations. Andy Burnham has said he will examine how rape cases are conducted in court following Brand's conviction, to ensure women do not feel they are the ones on trial.

How it is being reported

• Russell Brand trial sparks calls to protect women in showbiz industries with 'huge power imbalances'Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said there need to be "far more robust processes in place to protect women" in industries such as media and entertainment "where speaking up can really cost you your reputation"The Mirror · 8 Nov, 19:04
• Women in media alleging abuse too often not protected, Lisa Nandy saysCulture secretary says there is still a problem in media industry and across public life after Russell Brand conviction Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, has said there is still a problem with exploitation and abuse in the media industry and a failure to properly deal with allegations, after Russell Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault. The cabinet minister said women who came forward were too often “not protected” by institutions across public life, including in politics, and that huge power imbalances meant speaking up came at a “very heavy cost”. Continue reading...Guardian World · 8 Nov, 13:18
• Similar exploitation of women still happening today, Nandy says after Brand caseDisgraced comedian Russell Brand faces jail after being convicted of rape and sexual assault during his showbiz heyday.Evening Standard · 8 Nov, 11:09
• Russell Brand’s crimes are ‘probably happening today’ in entertainment industry, says NandyCulture secretary said women had approached her personally from organisations including the BBC ‘to allege that things have happened to them’The Independent · 8 Nov, 09:59
• Russell Brand-style sex attacks still rife in the media, says Culture Secretary Nandy as she tells industry to do more to tackle celeb rapistsLisa Nandy lashed out after Brand was last week convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women during his showbiz heyday.Daily Mail · 8 Nov, 09:34

In this story: Russell Brand · Lisa Nandy · BBC · CISA · Andy Burnham

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