Major inquiry into ‘open secrets’ at heart of TV industry threatened by MPs in wake of Russell Brand rape allegations

A MAJOR probe into “open secrets” in the TV industry could be launched by MPs in the coming days.

Caroline Dineage, chair of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee today said that showbiz bosses may be hauled in to Parliament to explain how the industry safeguards women from predatory male celebs.

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The Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee is considering a fresh probe into “open secrets” in the TV industry[/caption]

It comes in light of a bombshell expose last weekend that saw Russell Brand, 48, accused of rape, sexual assault and abuse by four women.

The comedian’s alleged patterns of behaviour have been described as an “open secret” among senior TV and radio executives.

Ms Dineage told Times Radio: “This is just the latest in what seemed to be a stream of these reports about culture in our TV industry, reports about situations where things were an open secret, things where people turned a blind eye, all these kind of phrases that we hear.

“And I just don’t think it’s good enough.

“So it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the committee that I’m chair of may decide that we’re going to do a full on inquiry into this kind of behaviour at the heart of television.”

Alongside Brand, a Commons inquiry could see BBC bosses grilled on allegations that top news presenter Huw Edwards paid thousands to a teen who sent him sexual images.

And ITV chiefs could be forced to reveal what they knew about ex-This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield pursuing a six-month affair with a much younger male colleague.

Ms Dineage said showbiz bosses “seem to wield an incredible amount of power and influence”, and in the “wrong hands” this can be used to “disproportionately affect the lives and careers of other people”.

This morning No10 described the allegations surrounding Brand as “deeply concerning”.

A spokesperson for the PM urged any victims of sexual assault to contact the Met Police.

They said: “The PM has been clear that there should never be any space for harassment, regardless of where it is found.

“It’s right that this is looked into and both the broadcasters have said they would investigate.

“I think that is the right step.”