Britain's media industry still has a problem with sexual abuse, the culture minister says, after Russell Brand was convicted of raping a woman and sexually assaulting three more.
The former high-profile comedian and actor's conviction on Thursday renewed scrutiny of how Britain's entertainment industry has treated well-known performers accused of abusing their power, with some women saying they feared speaking out could harm their careers.
Asked whether there was still a problem with exploitation and sexual abuse in the media and entertainment industries, Lisa Nandy told the BBC: "Yes, I do, and I think hand on heart I can't say to you as the culture secretary that this is not happening today and in fact, if I had to wager, I would say it is."
She said people had come forward to her to make allegations, but often women were fearful of challenging their employers because "speaking up has a very heavy cost".
Pressed about her belief not enough had changed, Nandy said: “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 in the intervening years.”
Brand, the former husband of US pop singer Katy Perry, is facing a lengthy jail term after his conviction and Britain's top police officer said on Friday he was likely to face further allegations as more victims come forward.
Britain's Channel 4 cancelled Married at First Sight UK last week following a review prompted by serious allegations of misconduct during the making of the reality show.
The broadcaster removed all previous seasons of the show in May after a BBC report detailed allegations of rape by two women during filming.
"Time is up," Nandy said.
"It really is time for the media industry to take this seriously."
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
