Female comedians set up 'WhatsApp group to warn each other about predatory behaviour’

18 September 2023, 15:34

Katherine Ryan said she told a comedy star ‘to his face’ that he was a predator, and Sarah Pascoe has spoken out about well-known ‘predators’ on the comedy circuit
Katherine Ryan said she told a comedy star ‘to his face’ that he was a predator, and Sarah Pascoe has spoken out about well-known ‘predators’ on the comedy circuit. Picture: Getty

By Asher McShane

Women working the UK comedy circuit have set up a WhatsApp group blacklist to warn each other of male stars’ predatory behaviour, it has emerged today.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

It comes after Russell Brand was accused of sexual assault and emotional abuse by several women.

He is accused by four women of assaults across a seven-year period between 2006 and 2013. Russell Brand has denied the allegations and said his relationships have all been consensual.

Comedian Daniel Sloss has gone on record, speaking to The Times, telling them that female comedians set up online groups to warn others about people they’ve worked with and had difficult experiences with, including predatory behaviour.

Mr Sloss told the times: “I know for many, many years that women have been warning each other about Russell.”

At least five other male comedians have been named in the conversations, MailOnline reports.

Read more: 'Very serious... deeply concerning': Downing Street speaks out on Russell Brand allegations

Read more: 'Very controlling': Historic warnings about Russell Brand's behaviour resurface after sexual assault allegations

Russell Brand has vehemently denied the allegations made against him
Russell Brand has vehemently denied the allegations made against him. Picture: Alamy

They include famous stars of TV, radio and stage - some still working, others who have disappeared from the limelight.

Mr Sloss said there were ‘many stories with varying degrees of severity’.

Comedian Sara Pascoe has also claimed there are two well-known predators in the comedy circuit.

She indicated that there is more than one predator in the comedy industry, including "a man that's assaulted men."

Comedian Stevie Martin disclosed the WhatsApp group existed as long ago as 2020, telling the Telegraph: “A Whatsapp-based blacklist began circulating of predatory male comics and promoters. It’s growing every day.”

Canadian comic and writer Katherine Ryan told Louis Theroux in a recent interview that she told a comedian ‘to his face’ that he was a predator.

Brand, 48, vehemently denies the allegations made against him and said all of his relationships have been "consensual", in a video posted online on Friday night.

The initial claims are said to be from a period between 2006 and 2013, when Brand was at the height of his fame and working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films.

The BBC has said it is "urgently looking into the issues raised" while Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008.

Channel 4 announced it is conducting "its own internal investigation" following the allegations and the broadcaster has removed content featuring Brand from their streaming service while they look into the claims.

"We will be writing to all our current suppliers reminding them of their responsibilities under our Code of Conduct, as we are committed to ensuring our industry has safe, inclusive and professional working environments," a Channel 4 statement added.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Action for Children, during a visit to a mother and baby unit inside HMP Styal in Wilmslow

Kate met with wolf-whistles and cries for 'more funding' as she visits women's prison

Domestic cat balancing on garden fence, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Police hunt mystery cat coiffeur after felines in rural Lincolnshire village return home missing patches of fur

Liam Payne and Maya Henry

Liam Payne 'smoked heroin and sexted fans': Bombshell revelations as ex-fiancee breaks silence on star's death

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has said Yvette Cooper will 'make sure' vetting of Metropolitan Police officers is 'overhauled'

Home secretary will ensure 'overhaul' of Met vetting process following controversial High Court ruling, Phillipson says

Exclusive
James Cleverly

James Cleverly slams 'Orwellian' assisted dying bill as High Court judge sign-off to be scrapped

The Church of England's governing body has voted against a fully independent safeguarding body

Church of England vote 'a punch in the gut for victims' as Synod rejects independent safeguarding

Oliver Ryan and Andrew Gwynne have been suspended

Eleven Labour councillors suspended for being part of offensive WhatsApp group after two MPs also punished

A major travel agent has urged families to go on holiday during Easter rather than the summer

Save thousands by going on holiday at Easter instead of summer, British families told

Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to tear up the ceasefire deal

Netanyahu’s ultimatum to Hamas: Return hostages by Saturday deadline or ceasefire gives way to 'intense fighting'

Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were in attendance at Denis Law's funeral

Stars pay final respects to Denis Law as Manchester United legend laid to rest

Strangers bar is to reopen following spiking allegation

MPs bar to reopen with extra security after spiking claims

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Post-mortem results reveal fatal injuries of British couple found dead at home in rural French village

Salman Rushdie gives evidence in court as author gives evidence against alleged knife attacker

Salman Rushdie gives evidence in court as author gives evidence against alleged knife attacker

The Huszti sisters

Bodies recovered from river in Scotland confirmed as missing sisters

Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson arrives at Derby Crown Court, where he is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm between May 13 and 17 2020 and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour between May 2015 and June 2023,

Wife of Bargain Hunt star 'paralysed with fear' when husband Charles Hanson 'attacked' her while pregnant

Luis Rubiales is on trial in Madrid accused of sexual assault for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips

Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales 'absolutely sure' kiss with Jenni Hermoso after World Cup win was consensual