Comedian Jason Manford has demanded a “cultural shift” within the comedy industry following the conviction of Russell Brand for sexual assault and the ongoing police investigation into David Walliams. Manford urged his peers to reject outdated norms and ensure that performance spaces remain a safe place for everybody.
Performers Must Move Past Outdated Industry Behaviors
The call for change follows the sentencing of Russell Brand, 51, who was imprisoned for 10 years and six months after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Police are investigating serious sexual offense allegations against David Walliams, which were brought to light in a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV. Addressing the broader culture of the industry, Manford, 45, told Times Radio that performers must move past behaviors that mirror the 1960s and 1970s.
“It seems silly to have to say it, but fundamentally, it’s there for entertainment purposes and if we’re saying jokes or talking about subjects that are not for everybody or aiming at smaller groups or minorities, I just think we’re going back to the 60s and 70s here. Let’s stay in 2026 and act accordingly,” Manford said.
Manford argued that the comedy world has historically “skewed towards men” but said that the landscape has evolved, with many of the world’s best comics now being women. He suggested that the industry needs to adapt at both the grassroots level and in the upper echelons of production to dismantle the idea that comedy is “solely for lads.”
Jonathan Ross Expresses Horror at Allegations
Jonathan Ross, who appeared on various television programs with Walliams, issued a statement on Wednesday expressing his horror at the allegations regarding Walliams “and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation.”
Linguistic Research on Grooming Tactics
While the allegations against Walliams remain under investigation, research into grooming behaviors provides context for how perpetrators often manipulate victims. Linguistic analysis indicates that grooming is rarely a clearly staged process but rather a flexible set of tactics designed to build rapport and dismantle “red flags.” Researchers often identify a “risk-reward ratio assessment” used by offenders to determine if a target is accessible and unlikely to expose them.
Common strategies identified in grooming research include:
- Rapport-building: Using personal stories and compliments to cultivate trust and isolation.
The focus in such cases has shifted toward questioning the actions of those responsible rather than the behavior of the young people being targeted.
