The fallout from the sexual misconduct scandals involving David Walliams and Russell Brand has raised questions about the silence of celebrities closest to them.
Russell Brand, 51, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for rape and sexual assault, while David Walliams, 55, was named as the celebrity seeking an injunction against allegations that he groomed girls as young as 15, claims he has denied.
Whistleblowers and vocal critics
Comedian Lucy Beaumont has spoken out as one of the whistleblowers in The Guardian and ITN's report about Walliams, providing a safe space for a young person who came forward with allegations. She has been vocal about consent issues in the UK.
Fellow comic Nish Kumar has highlighted the 'problem in entertainment and comedy with misogyny' and a 'cultural issue that protects these men'. Kathrine Ryan, who has spoken about an unnamed 'predator' in the industry, praised the bravery of women who came forward about Brand.
Silence from inner circles
Matt Lucas, Walliams' Little Britain sidekick, has not addressed the allegations, and Noel Fielding, once a close friend of Brand, has also remained silent. Neither is accused of misconduct, but their association has led to calls for acknowledgment.
Jonathan Ross, friends with both men, released a statement denying knowledge of the alleged misconduct but faced criticism for a resurfaced video where he joked about Walliams going home with 15-year-olds.
Reputation management perspective
Paul MacKenzie Cummins of Clearly PR told Metro that celebrities distance themselves when the narrative doesn't suit, calling it 'really distasteful'. He noted that more men need to speak out, saying it's 'frustratingly low'.
Cummins acknowledged that from a reputation standpoint, silence in the immediate aftermath is understandable but warned that 'with David Walliams, there's nothing legal as yet but there will invariably be pressure on people, particularly his Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas, to come out and say something'.
He criticised Ross's statement as 'very lawyered and not human', saying Ross failed to take accountability for his words.
As the media storm continues, it remains to be seen who will address the wider issue and when.
