The key facts
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said abuse in the media industry is likely continuing
- Russell Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault
- The BBC was called a 'role model' for joining the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority
Minister's statement after Brand's verdict
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said on the BBC programme Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that, in her view, sexual abuse in the media industry is likely still ongoing. 'Hand on heart, as Culture Secretary I cannot tell you that this is not happening today. In fact, if I had to bet, I would say that it is,' BBC News quoted her as saying. According to her, since the government came to power, 'many people' from the industry have approached her with claims about things that had happened to them. The statement came after Russell Brand was found guilty following a four-week trial on charges from several women, covering the period from 1999 to 2009.
The verdict and broadcasters' response
During the trial, Brand, who began his career as a stand-up comedian and became known as the host of TV shows such as Big Brother's Big Mouth and radio programmes on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, faced the court on charges brought by six women. He was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault; the women recounted how he used his fame to coerce them into sexual acts. After the verdict, the BBC repeated its apologies to staff who, according to the corporation, had been unable to raise concerns about Brand's behaviour during his time at the BBC in 2006–2008, as he was considered 'too influential'. Channel 4, which broadcast Big Brother during the years when Brand was a presenter, said it recognised 'the profound impact of these crimes'.
What Nandy believes must change
Nandy noted that, in her observation, 'little has changed' in how institutions of the media and public life, including politics, treat women who decide to report abuse. She pointed to the imbalance of power and the short-term contracts on which some staff work, meaning that those who come forward often have no protection, and the price of speaking out is 'very high'. At the same time, she called the BBC a 'role model' for joining the industry body protecting whistleblowers — the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority — and urged other organisations to follow suit. 'Time is up, it really is time for the media industry to take this seriously,' she said. The BBC was contacted for comment on her remarks.
