Katherine Ryan reveals she feared speaking out about sexual predators

Katherine Ryan reveals how she and her fellow comediennes feared speaking out about sexual predators because they could be seen as ‘trouble makers’

• She said she thinks those women are singled out and keep experiences a secret

Comedian Katherine Ryan has revealed how she and her female co-stars have avoided speaking out about sexual predators working in the industry over fears they will be seen as ‘trouble makers.’

The star, who last year told how she bravely confronted a colleague on a popular television programme because she believed he was an abuser, said that she thinks that those women are singled out and instead keep their experiences a secret.

Ms Ryan, 39, also confirmed that female comics do share their stories and fears over which men are predatory because they view that as being the best way to keep themselves safe.

Speaking after the Mail revealed that she made the allegation about his behaviour in front of others working on the show, which is now believed to be Russell Brand on the popular Roast Comedy show which is made by James Corden’s production company Fulwell 73, she said of speaking out about the lewd behaviour on the comedy circuit, saying: ‘Do you think maybe that singles me out as a trouble maker? Do you think perhaps women don’t come forward for this and other similar reasons?’

The star (pictured), who last year told how she bravely confronted a colleague on a popular television programme because she believed he was an abuser, said that she thinks that those women are singled out and instead keep their experiences a secret

Ms Ryan, who also shared her fears that womens’ ‘professional relationships’ could be potentially damaged by them choosing to speak up, also told the Mail: ‘ Women in my industry have these conversations and warn each other because that’s the best course of safe action for us.’

READ MORE: Revealed: Katherine Ryan repeatedly accused Russell Brand of being a ‘sexual predator’ during filming for Comedy Central’s Roast Battle before he was dropped from what was his last major TV job in the UK

Her comments came after she made the courageous revelation that there is what she considers to be an abuser working in the television industry during an interview with fellow comic Sara Pascoe, who she says is also aware of the man’s identity.

Speaking to Miss Pascoe during her Amazon Prime series Backstage with Katherine Ryan, the Canadian star – who has appeared on shows including Have I Got News for You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week, Would I Lie To You? and A League of Their Own – said: ‘I’ve done a show with a person who I and you believe is a predator. What am I supposed to do?

‘I’ve thought about that, but it’s such a messy thing because I don’t have proof – what, am I not supposed to feed my children because of someone else?’

Miss Pascoe replied: ‘Also in that instance that you’re referencing it was about raising it.’ 

That prompted Miss Ryan to admit: ‘I raised it. I called him a predator to his face and in front of everyone every day.’

Shortly afterwards she claimed to have told a comedian ‘to his face’ that he was a sexual predator and that accusations against this person were an ‘open secret’.

A report on media website Deadline reported that Ms Ryan called out Brand during Roast Battle, which is screened on Comedy Central though her allegations did not make the final edit

The Canadian comic and writer told Louis Theroux that she had confronted the unnamed man while they worked together on a TV show in front of the audience ‘again and again’.

A report on media website Deadline reported that Ms Ryan called out Brand during Roast Battle, which is screened on Comedy Central though her allegations did not make the final edit.

Comedian Daniel Sloss has also claimed that women would warn each other about Russell Brand and his behaviour was openly discussed in the industry.

He told Channel 4’s Dispatches documentary how there were ‘many stories with varying degrees of severity’ about Brand that came from a number of different people in the comedy circuit.

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