After Brand and Walliams, UK media confronts its 'laddie' culture
Britain's culture secretary describes the reported allegations against David Walliams as "the latest in a long line of reported abuses of power" in the entertainment industry.
Comedian David Walliams and comedian Russell Brand are facing allegations of sexual assault and harassment after a three-year investigation by ITV News and The Guardian. The claims resulted in Walliams being dropped by his literary agent, his back catalogue being removed from online platforms, and bookstores returning his unsold books to their publisher.
Brand was sentenced to over ten years in jail for rape and sexual assault. The UK government is considering strengthening protections for women and children in the entertainment industry, including reviewing non-disclosure agreement (NDA) laws. Former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, Zelda Perkins, has criticized Walliams' attempt to prevent the investigation from being published and founded Can't Buy My Silence UK to lobby for legislative change.
The allegations have sparked a conversation about the "laddie" culture prevalent in Britain's entertainment industry, characterized by misogyny, sexism, and unchallenged behavior.
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