British officials are preparing state intervention if entertainment leaders do not rapidly overhaul their internal protection mechanisms. The government warning follows joint reporting on sexual misconduct allegations against David Walliams, who denies all claims, alongside the recent sentencing of Russell Brand. Ministers such as Bridget Phillipson are also assessing legislative reforms to stop powerful figures from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims. Participation in the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority remains voluntary for now, but campaigners insist legal enforcement is necessary.
Key points
Government ministers are preparing to enforce compliance measures if entertainment compan…: Government ministers are preparing to enforce compliance measures if entertainment companies fail to protect vulnerable workers.
Officials are considering strict legal limits on non-disclosure agreements to prevent pow…: Officials are considering strict legal limits on non-disclosure agreements to prevent powerful individuals from silencing complainants.
Industry campaigners maintain that voluntary reporting mechanisms are completely insuffic…: Industry campaigners maintain that voluntary reporting mechanisms are completely insufficient for handling allegations against high-profile figures.
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- Published
The government is prepared to force the entertainment industry to improve safeguarding practices unless rapid change is introduced, BBC Newsnight has learned.
An investigation by the Guardian and ITV News alleged that entertainer David Walliams had been accused by several women of sexual misconduct and abusing his position, which he denies.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will tell a meeting of industry leaders next week that if their response to recent allegations is not robust enough, she is prepared to force participation in the industry body to protect whistleblowers, the BBC understands.
Participation in the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is currently voluntary.
Nandy said earlier this week that she was summoning leaders from the broadcasting, publishing, film and entertainment industries to "draw a line" in the sand.
The announcement came after the publication of allegations against Walliams, as well as the sentencing of disgraced entertainer Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault.
The allegations against Walliams were made as a part of a joint three-year investigation by the Guardian and ITV News, which was published…
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