U.K. culture secretary Lucy Frazer has called the allegations against Russell Brand “deeply shocking” and said “it is right” they are being investigated by the police.
In a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches,” which dropped over the weekend, Brand was accused of rape and sexual assault against four women at the height of his fame. He adamantly denies the allegations.
Frazer, who was appointed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to lead the department of culture, media and sport in February, said it was important to keep the creative industries safe for young people. She is the eleventh culture secretary in the space of ten years.
“Those allegations are deeply shocking and it’s right that the police are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward,” she said at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge on Wednesday afternoon. “It’s also right that organizations involved in his employment conduct transparent investigations into whether complaints were made or concerns raised — and what action, if any, was taken.”
“The nature of these allegations means it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, but I do want to briefly touch on the wider culture within our film and TV industry. This is an industry that young people grow up dreaming of working in. One where the sky’s the limit for talent.”
“It is incumbent on all of us to make sure that this industry is synonymous with talent, opportunity and inclusivity – not the scandals of #MeToo. TV studios, production facilities and offices need to be places where people feel safe. Places where working cultures are responsible and accountable, and do not allow for possible abuses of power. Places where everyone feels able to speak up, no matter how junior, and where leaders never turn a blind eye.”
“I would urge all of you, as leaders in your industry, to look hard at the cultures and processes in your own organisations and lead change, if change is needed.”
