UK PM Burnham defends past support for Brand after rape conviction
UK PM Burnham said he didn't know the extent of Russell Brand's crimes when he publicly backed Brand in 2014.
Andy Burnham, Britain's newly elected Prime Minister, faced questions about his past support for Russell Brand. The comedian was convicted of rape and sexual assault in a London court this week.
In 2014, Burnham publicly defended Brand on social media. The Sun had reported on Brand's overseas property arrangements.
Burnham wrote that it was "depressing to see media mission to discredit someone who stops playing their game." When asked about his earlier support, Burnham told the BBC: "I had no idea of the full extent of what he was doing.
His crimes are horrific. It's not always the case that people know everything about people in public life."
Labour's former leader Ed Miliband also appeared on Brand's online show in 2015.
- 2014
- Burnham's defense
- British Virgin Islands
- Property jurisdiction
- Katy Perry
- Brand's former spouse
Why it mattersPublic figures who backed Brand now face scrutiny over their past judgment, raising questions about due diligence and how political parties vet celebrities they court for public support.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Australian media outlets will cover Brand's sentencing and may examine whether Australian public figures made similar misjudgments in supporting him.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
