Many women working in industry say allegations only scratch the surface of its culture of misogyny
hen I was 18 I had an incident with a powerful male comedian in his 30s,” says Lucy , a female comic in her early 30s. “It was really harrowing and triggering. But when I raised it with other comics at the time they just encouraged me to use the incident as comedy material.”
In a video on YouTube titled Brand Awareness, the comedian Kate Smurthwaite said the allegations against Brand were “nowhere near scratching the surface” of the wider problems. “Since the days of performances in working men’s clubs in the 60s, comedy has targeted women, and we’ve got this really long hangover from that,” she said. “There might be more women visibly present on stage or on our screens now, but the actual working conditions for comics have been remarkably consistent. That’s what creates that space where abuse can flourish.”
“Comic licence makes it easy for men to say: ‘I was just joking, that woman doesn’t understand what comedy is.’ If you make accusations against someone who’s bankable for a promoter, then you’re putting yourself in a very dangerous situation.”– platforms that showcase female comics – said the “deeply rooted sexism” in the scene needed to be urgently addressed.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The horrifying allegations against Russell BrandThe comedian, presenter and actor has been accused of sexual assault, emotional abuse and rape between 2006 and 2013 – allegations Brand denies. Alexandra Topping explains why such stories can be particularly difficult to investigate
Read more »
Russell Brand allegations show how TV tolerated ‘terrible behaviour’, says C4 chiefAlex Mahon says broadcasters were happy to show footage of Brand making misogynistic jokes about sex ‘not that long ago’
Read more »
Russell Brand allegations come as no surprise to anyone who listened to his jokesIn telling the world about his promiscuity, Russell Brand turned his red flags into part of his charm. And like so many before him, he was able to control the narrative and cash in handsomely.
Read more »
Russell Brand allegations come as no surprise to anyone who listened to his jokesIn telling the world about his promiscuity, Russell Brand turned his red flags into part of his charm. And like so many before him, he was able to control the narrative and cash in handsomely.
Read more »
More allegations of sexual assault emerge about Russell BrandTrusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.
Read more »
BBC investigates claim Russell Brand flashed a woman in Los AngelesIncident allegedly happened in 2008 and comedian is understood to have laughed about it on radio show
Read more »