Similar exploitation of women still happening today, Nandy says after Brand case

There has not been enough change in media organisations to stop celebrities like rapist Russell Brand from preying on women, the Culture Secretary has warned, saying she believes similar exploitation is “probably happening today”.

Disgraced comedian Brand was on Thursday convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his showbiz heyday, with a senior detective saying the 51-year-old had used his “influence, status and fame to prey on and exploit women”.

Lisa Nandy told Sky News’ Sunday Morning: “We need far more robust processes in place to protect women like the women who bravely came forward in the Russell Brand case to make sure that they are protected and treated seriously.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said not enough has changed in media organisations since Russell Brand’s offending (Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA)

PA Wire

“Hand on heart, I don’t think we can say that this couldn’t happen today.

“In fact, I would wager that this is probably happening today, and I don’t think that the industry is doing enough to tackle it.”

Ms Nandy said there is a responsibility on media and entertainment organisations in particular, where there are power imbalances which may be used to exploit people.

“I do think that there is a particular responsibility on media and entertainment organisations, just as there is in politics, to recognise that these are industries where people often are on short-term, flexible contracts where there are huge power imbalances, and where speaking up can really cost you your reputation and cost you opportunities,” she said.

She urged media organisations to sign up to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, an industry body that protects whistleblowers, adding that the Government is “considering what further steps we can take”.

Pressed about her belief not enough has changed, Ms Nandy said: “I can’t see what has changed in terms of the way that many institutions in media and entertainment enable people to come forward, protect and support them.

“I can’t see what has changed in the intervening years.”

Brand was found not guilty of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault, but police have since revealed that more allegations against the former TV and radio host are being investigated.

The head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, said he “wouldn’t be surprised if many, many more come forward”.

Brand has spent three nights in custody and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, when he has been warned by senior judge Mr Justice Bennathan to expect a “significant” jail term.