Labour leader condemns treatment of victims in Russell Brand case

Brand’s defense attorney, Ian Winter KC, has drawn criticism for suggesting the victims were not vulnerable and attempting to characterize the rape incident as a case of “a man who went too far.” Winter KC’s argument that Brand’s crimes were linked to his rising fame and that his accusers’ lack of resistance negated the severity of the offenses has been widely condemned. He subsequently reported himself to his professional regulator after an altercation with a journalist.

Lucy Powell stated she was “shocked and depressed” by the way the women were treated during the trial. “I was shocked and depressed, quite honestly, as I’m sure many, many others were, to hear of some of that cross-examination and the way that these women were treated in this trial,” Powell told BBC Radio 4. She added that more needs to be done to improve the process.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced a review of how rape cases are handled in court to prevent women from feeling victimized by the legal system. The prime minister indicated he would also examine the case closely and consider potential legal changes.

Prior to the allegations against Brand, several politicians, including Ed Miliband, had publicly praised him. In 2014, Burnham lauded Brand’s use of his celebrity status to assist others. Miliband appeared on Brand’s online show, The Trews, in 2015 as part of a strategy to engage younger voters.

Powell acknowledged that Miliband’s appearance on Brand’s show occurred in a “different era” before Brand’s predatory behavior was revealed. She maintained that Brand initiated contact with the Labour Party and emphasized that had they known about his alleged crimes, the appearance would not have taken place.