Brand's lawyer blasted after claiming victim 'not particularly vulnerable'

Brand's barrister blasted for using 'rape myths'(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Brand's lawyer blasted after claiming victim 'not particularly vulnerable'

TL;DR

  • Russell Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, is accused of perpetuating "damaging myths about rape" by claiming a victim was "not particularly vulnerable".
  • Winter argued the incident was at the "bottom of culpability" due to its short duration and described it as a "momentary total failure to respect her consent".
  • Mr Justice Bennathan criticized Brand's "staggering arrogance" and stated that women "retain the right to say no" regardless of what they wear or drink.
  • Experts argue that such narratives trivialize sexual offenses and reinforce myths that deter survivors from reporting assaults.
  • The Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Victims Commissioner have raised concerns, with the latter calling for a new legal duty on judges to address rape myths.
  • Ian Winter KC also faced criticism for verbally abusing a journalist whose investigation led to victims coming forward, and has referred himself to the Bar Standards Board.