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Crimes like the ones committed by Russell Brand are “probably happening today” in the entertainment industry, the culture secretary Lisa Nandy has warned.
She also told organisations that, if they did not sign up to protection for whistleblowers, the government would take action to make them do so.
Ms Nandy told Sky News: “Hands 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.”
She added: “And I don’t think that the industry is doing enough to tackle it. I would urge every organisation that hasn’t already signed up to CISA, the industry body that protects whistleblowers, to do so.
“But I would also say to them that if they don’t, we are considering what further steps we can take as a government to mandate that sort of action.”
Russell Brand was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others (PA Wire)
She added: “I really do (think it is still happening). 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.”
She later told the BBC: “Many people have come forward to me from institutions, including the BBC, to allege that things have happened to them, that I obviously raise with media institutions across the board when that happens.”
She added: “Time is up. It really is time for the media industry to take this seriously.”
Andy Burnham has also said he will look at how rape cases are conducted in court after Brand’s conviction, to ensure they do not leave women feeling like they are the ones on trial.
Nandy said women had approached her personally from organisations including the BBC ‘to allege that things have happened to them’ (PA)
Brand faces a lengthy jail sentence after being convicted at Southwark Crown Court of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women at the height of his fame.
The star, 51, who denied all charges against him, was acquitted of two rape charges and a further accusation of attempted indecent assault.
A jury of eight men and four women took around nine hours to deliver their verdicts for each of the seven allegations against him.
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Brand in the dock at Southwark Crown Court (PA)
The judge in the case, Mr Justice Bennathan, told Brand that he faces a “significant custodial term” when he is sentenced on Monday.
The prime minister also refused to rule out changes to the law, saying he would study the case “in great detail”.
He described Brand’s actions as “horrifying” and praised the bravery of the women who had the “courage to speak out” against the comedian.