British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has warned that sexual abuse in the media industry is still taking place today, following the conviction of Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault.
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Secretary Nandy said she could not assure the public that abuse was no longer happening in the media industry. She said that, if she had to wager, she would say it was still taking place.
Secretary Nandy said that women working in the media industry can be particularly vulnerable because of significant power imbalances and short-term, flexible contracts, which can make it difficult for them to speak out against abuse without risking their careers and professional opportunities.
She also said that many people from within the industry had approached her to allege that abuse had taken place, adding that institutions were still failing to properly protect women who come forward.
Secretary Nandy called on media organisations to take the issue seriously and introduce stronger protections for whistleblowers. She praised the BBC for signing up to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, an industry body intended to protect people who report misconduct, and urged other organisations to follow suit.
Her comments came before Russell Brand was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to ten years and six months in prison for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women. The offences were committed between 2004 and 2009.
Russell Brand had faced allegations from six women during his trial. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and attempted indecent assault.
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