Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has addressed the controversy surrounding Russell Brand, defending the Labour Party’s historical links with the comedian. Burnham emphasized that “it’s not always the case that people know everything about people in public life.” Reflecting on attempts by some party members over a decade ago to gain Brand’s support before police investigations began, Burnham told the BBC, “All I can say is I had no idea of the full extent of what he was doing or what he went on to do.”
On Friday, Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, suggested that more victims might come forward regarding Brand. He confirmed that “there are two ongoing rape investigations” into the entertainer, who has already been interviewed under caution concerning those claims. Praising the courage of women who came forward during the trial and police inquiries, Sir Mark said, “That’s a real challenge for anyone having gone through something so ghastly and you have to admire them.” He added that while the Brand case might seem distinct due to his celebrity status, most sexual offences involve abuse of power. He assured that “victims will be believed” and pledged, “We will do everything we can to bring to justice the powerful person who are responsible for probably the most ghastly moment in your life.”
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Mark responded to remarks made by Brand’s defence barrister, who told jurors that none of the complainants had “resisted, screamed or even tried to leave.” He criticized this as “very close to victim blaming.” Additionally, when asked about supporting the Victim’s Commissioner’s proposal for a legal duty requiring judges to instruct juries on rape myths and misconceptions, Sir Mark declared that he would “strongly support” the measure. He stressed that “It shouldn’t be possible for inaccurate statements to be made to a jury to suggest that because a rape victim didn’t behave in one way that somehow undermines their case.”
Following Brand’s conviction, he was denied bail and is expected to remain in custody over the weekend, with sentencing scheduled for Monday. He is anticipated to receive a significant prison term. Reports after the trial indicated that the comedian faces further rape allegations by two additional women and has been questioned by the police as part of an ongoing investigation. Legal documents from a pre-trial hearing at Southwark Crown Court revealed that one complainant was reportedly 16 years old at the time and appeared in a Channel 4 documentary. The trial covered accusations by six women dating from 1999 to 2009, a period when Brand rose to prominence. They testified about how Brand exploited his celebrity status to coerce them into sexual acts. Judge Mr Justice Bennathan warned Brand to anticipate “a significant custodial term” in light of the verdicts.
Separately, attention has fallen on Jack Bayles, a man accused of laughing during one of Brand’s sexual assaults in 2009. Bayles, who was part of Brand’s entourage at the time, has been asked by his employer to “step back” as they review the trial outcome and related matters. Bayles was present during an incident when Brand was alleged to have placed his head into the groin area of a woman assisting him on a Channel 4 project. The victim testified that Bayles and another staff member coerced her into giving Brand a massage, insisting he would not continue without it, after which the assault occurred. She also alleged that the men laughed during the attack.
Currently serving as head of comedy at TV production company Various Artists Ltd, Bayles’ employer issued a statement saying, “We have asked Jack Bayles to step back from the company whilst we consider the verdict and events surrounding the trial. Our thoughts, though, are primarily with every one of Brand’s victims at this time.” Bayles, who has commissioned programmes including *Derry Girls* and *Aisling Bea’s This Way Up*, expressed remorse but said he did not recall the particular assault. He explained, “I am appalled and sickened by Brand’s actions and have co-operated fully and voluntarily with the investigation and endeavoured to assist as best I can.” He acknowledged missing signs of distress back then and apologized, adding, “For that I am sincerely sorry.”
Reflecting on his early career during that period, Bayles described the environment as “a frantic, pressured and toxic working environment.” He characterized Brand as “chaotic, dismissive and manipulated the people around him,” which contributed to Bayles’ decision to cease working with him in 2010. Since that time, Bayles says he “has not had any contact with him” and noted that while he worked alongside Brand, no complaints were brought to him regarding Brand’s conduct. He stated, “I am unaware if any were raised to anyone else more senior to me.” Bayles concluded with a strong personal statement, saying, “I would never willingly or proactively wish to make anyone feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unsupported at work. If I was ever present when Brand acted inappropriately and I failed to spot it and step in, then I sincerely apologise.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.