Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer On Russell Brand: “The UK TV Industry Should Not Become Synonymous With The Scandals Of #MeToo” – RTS Cambridge

deadline.com:

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has addressed the Russell Brand allegations for the first time, urging the UK TV industry not to become “synonymous with the scandals of #MeToo.” Speaking at the RTS Cambridge Convention, Frazer wouldn’t go into detail on the allegations that emerged over the weekend but delivered a calling card to the wider industry to provide “places where people feel safe, where working cultures are responsible and accountable and don’t allow abuses of power.” “I would urge all of you as leaders in your industry to look hard at your culture and processes in your own organizations and lead change if change is needed,” she added. “This is an industry that young people grew up dreaming of working in, one where the sky is the limit for talent.

It is incumbent on all of us to make sure this industry is synonymous with talent, opportunity and inclusivity, not the scandals of #MeToo.” Frazer described the allegations, which came from four women and range from rape to sexual assault, as “deeply shocking” and encouraged “anyone who believes they were victims of sexual offences to come forward.” The BBC, Channel 4 and Big Brother producer Banijay have all launched investigations and Frazer called on all those “involved in [Brand’s] employment” to conduct “transparent investigations.” Brand’s representatives have not responded to repeated requests for comment.

Brand published a video across his social media channels in which he preemptively denied the “litany” of allegations about his criminal behavior. “The relationships that I had were absolutely always consensual,” he said. “I was always transparent about that then, almost too transparent.