Brand case shows how celebrities can ‘significantly exert power’, Swinney says

Russell Brand’s conviction for rape shows how “celebrity can be used to significantly exert power”, John Swinney has said.

The First Minister said Brand’s actions also brought a “sharp focus” on the “violence and sexual abuse women experience every single day” and highlights how “misogynistic attitudes” still prevail.

Speaking the day after the former actor and television presenter was jailed for 10 and half years, Mr Swinney praised the women who came forward to speak out against him.

The First Minister pledged to “tackle this scourge” of violence against women and “to protect women and girls in Scotland”.

Brand was convicted last week of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three TV and radio workers during his rise to international fame.

When he appeared back at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for sentencing, defence barrister Ian Winter KC argued the offences were the consequence of the level of fame he was acquiring.

But judge Mr Justice Bennathan branded the celebrity a “sexual predator”.

Mr Swinney, speaking at First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, said: “The trial and conviction of Russell Brand yesterday has brought into sharp focus the violence and sexual abuse women experience every single day of our society and some of the misogynistic attitudes that prevail.

“It has also highlighted that power and celebrity can be used to significantly exert power over individuals and to shield this kind of behaviour.”

Raising the issue SNP MSP Karen Adam had said the case “raises wider questions about how powerful individuals are able to abuse their positions”.

She also pressed the First Minister on “what more can be done to ensure that victims feel safe to come forward and are believed and receive the support that they need”.

Mr Swinney, who previously said violence against women and girls had become an “epidemic”, added that he had become “increasingly concerned about levels of sexual violence against women in our society”.

He told MSPs he had “pledged to offer the personal leadership I believe is required as First Minister to tackle this issue”.

This would be done by ensuring there is an “effective criminal justice system” to protect women, and also through education programmes designed to help prevent male violence.

He also stressed the importance of “work to support women who are facing the awful experience of sexual violence”.

Mr Swinney said: “I reaffirm to Parliament today my personal commitment and the determination of the Government to tackle this scourge in our society to protect women and girls in Scotland.”