Russell ‘Branded’ as Sexual Predator & sent to jail

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months today and called a ‘sexual predator’. He has been found guilty on five counts which include one count of rape, which he will serve consecutively with three sentences for sexually assaulting a woman at a bar in London in 2004, sexually assaulting a woman at the Choice FM studios in London in either 2004 or 2005, and a sexual assault while working on a Channel 4 project in 2009.

As the founder of Funny Women CIC and Comedy Advisory Board member to CRAFT, the Comedy Representation & Artform Trust, which serves as the Secretariat of the Comedy APPG, (all party parliamentary group), I welcome this news.

Funny Women was founded on misogyny 24 years ago to ensure that those who identify as female have a voice. Predators like Brand hide in plain sight in all walks of life and, somebody with this level of celebrity being held to account for his perverse actions, is a massive step forward.

For far too long, those of us working in the comedy industry have been speaking up, often without being heard or acknowledged. There is a wind of change across Government and the wider entertainment industry, even though it’s been a long time coming.

I’m sharing some of the advice issued today by CRAFT in the wake of today’s sentencing of Brand.

1. To every victim and survivor of sexual violence, abuse and harassment, in comedy and beyond: we hear you, we stand with you, and we recognise the courage it takes to come forward – and if you’re not ready to, that’s OK too. If this week’s news brings up painful memories, please look after yourself. You don’t have to report anything to get support. Free, confidential help exists:

• Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222 (24/7)
• Rape Crisis Scotland 08088 01 03 02 (5pm–midnight)
• Northern Ireland Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (24/7)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) • In an emergency, call #999.

2. You DO have somewhere to report concerns. The CIISA (Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority) is an officially designated whistleblowing body. Its online reporting portal can receive reports relating to harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other harmful practices, including in cases where NDAs have previously been signed. CIISA is free, safe and confidential, and helps people working in comedy, film, television, music, and theatre including live performance.

3. Earlier this year, CRAFT (UK Comedy Body) campaigned for a parliamentary inquiry into Misogyny in Comedy. Kim Leadbeater MP MBE immediately said yes and took our campaign to the Women and Equalities Committee (WESC), which heard evidence from April to June. I was proud to be a witness to the inquiry. Their report is due soon. Thank you to all the parliamentarians supporting comedy, including on these very serious issues: Kim, the WESC, CRAFT Patrons Dame Caroline Dinenage MP DBE, Samantha Niblett MP, Dr Simon Opher MP and Comedy APPG chair and former comedian himself, Richard Quigley MP, and all officers and members of the Comedy APPG.

4. TIME’S UP UK is an organisation that insists on safe, fair and dignified work for everyone across the wider entertainment industry. They do this by identifying, creating and implementing significant and impactful interventions for lasting change amplifying the work of their partners and friends, by creative connections and advocacy. 

If you know anybody affected by this news, please get in touch with me or any of the above organisations. Please share this article and tag people in the creative industries so they are aware of CIISA and that they can now report concerns.

Picture credit: Appolinar, Live at the Roxy, 1st June 2008.