- Lucy Powell has defended Ed Miliband's 2015 interview with Russell Brand, stating it occurred in a different era before Brand's predatory sexual behaviour was exposed.
- Brand was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for raping a fan and sexually assaulting three media workers during his rise to fame.
- Ms Powell noted that Brand had approached the Labour Party first and held a powerful public platform supported by Hollywood and major broadcasters at the time.
- Mr Miliband previously expressed deep regret over the interview, which was originally intended to encourage young people to vote in the general election.
- Ms Powell urged victims of sexual offences to come forward, assuring women that they will now be supported, believed, and taken seriously.
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