British comedian Nish Kumar said there’s a ‘cultural issue’ that protects men abusing their position and called for ‘systemic change’. It follows Russell Brand’s rape conviction
Comedy has a massive problem with sex pests and a wider misogyny issue, according to top star Nish Kumar. The funnyman said it’s now “beyond dispute” the British TV and stand-up circuit has problems with men abusing their position, like Russell Brand.
He said: “There’s a cultural issue that protects these men. No one is talented enough to excuse being an abuser.
“And there is definitely no excuse for not firing somebody that you know is a threat to your workforce.” Mr Kumar also claimed that “systemic change” was required across the industry, pointing out that comedians are “eminently replaceable”.
Kumar, 41, appears in Russell Brand: Open Secret, which is available on Netflix. The former Mash Report host, speaking on his podcast Pod Save The UK ahead of the documentary’s release, said it had been a “horrific week” for his industry.
He said: “Things will start changing when there is accountability for the enablers of these men. If you don’t do that, then we are still going to be in a situation where this keeps on happening.”
His comments come after TV star Brand, 51, was sentenced for 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault. It also follows allegations of sexual misconduct made against David Walliams.
Children’s author and comedian Walliams, 55, has been accused of sexual misconduct, grooming teenage girls as young as 15, and harassing women in the workplace. Walliams has denied all the allegations.
It follows reports that Brand is set to be moved to the “Monster Mansion” jail where paedo rocker Ian Watkins was killed. The disgraced comedian will be switched to HMP Wakefield to serve his 10-year sentence.
Despite its reputation and the brutal fatal stabbing of ex-Lostprophets frontman Watkins, it is seen as a safer option than HMP Wandsworth, where he is currently being held after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Ex-Hollywood star Brand is reportedly being assessed ahead of the move to the West Yorkshire jail. A source said: “Brand will have an incredibly tough time.”
Tom Wheatley, the governor of Wakefield from 2018 until 2024, spoke candidly about life inside the facility. He described it as housing a variety of individuals with differing outlooks, all confined in one place where the atmosphere is “inherently stressful”.
He added: “In some ways, it is a real testament to the forbearance of people in prison and the skill of staff and others who are around people in prison that this doesn’t happen more regularly.”