Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said that exploitation and abuse persist in the media industry, and that allegations are not properly addressed, following Russell Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault. Nandy stated that women who come forward are too often “not protected” by institutions across public life, including in politics, and that significant power imbalances mean speaking up carries a “very heavy cost”.
Nandy told the media industry that “time is up” for implementing systems to protect vulnerable whistleblowers. She acknowledged that while the BBC has taken action in recent years, other organisations have yet to take the problem seriously. Brand was found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, and faces sentencing on Monday, with the judge indicating a “significant” prison term.
The Culture Secretary said last week that Brand's case should serve as a wake-up call for the media world and beyond. She praised the BBC for signing up to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), a whistleblowing body, and for other recent steps, but noted more could be done. Nandy also stated that the government is considering further steps to mandate action if organisations do not sign up to CIISA.