I think times are changing, in that people are more likely to speak out because there is becoming precedent for it, particularly since the #metoo movement. But still, there is a lot of shame involved which makes women less likely to speak out, let alone so many women simply are not believed and it never makes it to court, let alone having to endure a trial where your character is brought into doubt. There's definitely a movement around believing women now, rather than dismissing them as gold diggers, whores or drunks who simply shouldn't have put themselves in that situation. And of course, one person speaking out will open the floodgates - people are reluctant to be the first.

I think it's BECAUSE of their celebrity status that it SEEMS like the industry is rife with it - we are more likely to hear about it. But yes, they have historically been given licence because they make money for the industry, or people don't want to believe because they have idolised them. It's all the more devastating to find out that, say, a beloved author has been involved in the distribution of child exploitation material (Craig Silvery - Jasper Jones) - than it is to read about some kiddy fiddler in South Africa no one has heard of.

And I think it's also a unique industry in that they grow up with an unrealistic sense of self.

Brand - I presume the impetus for your reflection - certainly gave me the ick years ago. I stopped following him as I found him narcissistic, even before I read about the accusations against him. And Jimmy Saville, Rold Harris - ugh. How awful for the children who grew up idolizing him only to find their hero is a villain of the worse kind. I do think the culture is changing - I think less people are willing to tolerate this kind of thing at any cost. Those that do turn a blind eye or don't speak out are just as bad imo.

It's one of the reasons I have never been starstruck by anyone. I couldn't give a fuck about how much money or fame you have. I think blind hero worship is just dull witted. If we didn't, maybe acting and performing in any regard would be a well paid profession, but not disproportionately so. Why do they get paid millions whilst teachers and nurses get paid fuck all?