UK Ministers Consider Law to Make Entertainment Industry Protect Women and Children
UK ministers are considering changing the law to require the entertainment industry to do more to protect women and children, The Guardian reported on 11 November 2026. The proposal follows allegations against the broadcaster David Walliams and the conviction of Russell Brand.
A Guardian and ITV News investigation published accusations that Walliams used his power and status to prey on young women for sex. Walliams, 55, denies any wrongdoing. The allegations were published after a court rejected an attempt by Walliams to stop their publication.
Brand was jailed for more than 10 years for rape and sexual assault. Louise Casey, who is leading an inquiry into sexual abuse grooming gangs, said the Brand case showed the "frankly appalling" way some men abused power to attack women and girls. Casey also said men who had sex with girls aged 13, 14 or 15 were not automatically charged with rape, and that this should be changed.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to meet leaders from television, film, publishing and potentially sport next week to discuss protections. The government hopes these sectors will voluntarily strengthen their protections. Ministers, however, could act through legislation if they believe action on abuse, harassment and whistleblowing is insufficient.
One legislative option would make it mandatory for companies to join the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, a body that tackles bullying and harassment through confidential whistleblowing, meaning staff can raise concerns without making them public.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris said there was "a lot of concern" about powerful men using the legal system, including injunctions (court orders) and non-disclosure agreements (confidentiality contracts), to silence accusers. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's official spokesperson called the Walliams allegations "deeply troubling."
