The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Culture, Lisa Nandy, said on Sunday that there continues to be a problem of sexual abuse in the media industry, after Russell Brand, once a well-known comedian and actor, was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
THE Brand’s convictionon Thursday, reignited scrutiny over the way the British entertainment industry has treated famous artists accused of abusing their power, with some women admitting they feared reprisals for their careers if they chose to report it.
Asked whether there was still a problem of sexual exploitation and abuse in the media and entertainment industries, Nandy told the BBC: “Yes, I believe so, and I think, in all sincerity, I cannot tell you as Secretary of State for Culture that this is not happening today, and in fact, if I had to bet, I would say that it is.”
The minister revealed that some people came to her to lodge complaints, but that women are often afraid to confront their employers because “speaking openly has a very high cost”.
Brand, the ex-husband of US pop singer Katy Perry, faces a long prison sentence following his conviction, and Britain’s police chief said on Friday he was likely to face new accusations as more victims come forward.
Britain’s Channel 4 canceled Married at First Sight earlier this month following a review prompted by serious allegations of misconduct during the show’s production. reality show. The broadcaster pulled all previous seasons of the show in May after a BBC report detailed allegations of rape by two women during filming.
“Time is up,” said Nandy. “It’s really time for the media industry to take this seriously.”
