Brand's conviction shows justice is possible, but the comedy industry still shelters other abusers the criminal system and informal networks struggle to stop
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/sarah-solemani. "Russell Brand has finally faced justice. But other abusers in comedy are still hiding in plain sight | Sarah Solemani | The Guardian." November 6, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author says Russell Brand's conviction was a rare win for justice, but many other abusers in comedy are still working and everyone in the industry knows it. Because courts struggle to convict in most cases, she argues that the informal warnings and support that comedy insiders give each other are vital for protecting vulnerable people.
Conclusion
Russell Brand's conviction is a rare instance of justice, but the comedy industry still harbors many other sexual abusers who continue to work, so informal community networks remain crucial for protecting women and vulnerable people.
Premises
- The author has repeatedly encountered sexual predators in comedy, including a high-level executive and a celebrated comic, and has had to pull projects or warn colleagues because of credible rape allegations.
- Brand's abuse was common knowledge in comedy circles for years, and he was convicted only because four women came forward with help from the comedy community.
- The author says that the comedy community knows other abusers are working on sets right now, and that some may never be tried.
- The criminal justice system rarely serves victims in typical cases: it becomes 'he said v she said', and the accused wins because the burden of proof is not on him.
- Cuts to comedy budgets and a shortage of TV commissions have made female and working-class young talent more vulnerable to exploitation by powerful figures.
- Informal networks of reporting and warning are therefore the main protection available to women and vulnerable people in the industry.
Assumptions
- The author's anecdotal experience is representative of a wider pattern in the comedy industry.
- Rumours and 'common knowledge' within the industry are reliable enough to justify acting on them.
- Informal warnings and project withdrawals are an appropriate substitute where criminal convictions are not achievable.
- Power imbalances created by scarce work make vulnerable performers more exposed to abuse.
- The 'burden of proof' standard is the main reason most cases fail, not a lack of reports or evidence.
- Brand's conviction demonstrates that the system can work when victims are supported by a community.