Abuse in media industry probably still happening, minister warns in wake of Brand case
Summary
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned that sexual abuse in the media industry may still be happening, saying people in the industry had contacted her with allegations. She called on media organisations to improve protections for people who report abuse, after comedian Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.Key Facts
- Nandy said she could not assure the public that abuse in the media industry had stopped and believed it was likely continuing.
- She said people from the media industry, including the BBC, had contacted her to allege that abuse had occurred.
- Nandy said people who report abuse can face little protection and significant personal costs, including because of power imbalances and short-term contracts.
- She urged media organisations to join the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, an industry body intended to protect whistleblowers.
- A jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial.
- The allegations at Brand's trial involved six women and covered the period from 1999 to 2009.
- The BBC said abuse of power had no place in the industry and renewed its apology to staff who felt unable to raise concerns about Brand while he worked there from 2006 to 2008.
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