Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said she believes exploitation of women by celebrities is "probably happening today", warning that media organisations have not changed enough since Russell Brand's offending.
Brand, 51, was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his showbiz heyday. A senior detective said the former TV and radio host had used his "influence, status and fame to prey on and exploit women".
Industry urged to strengthen protections
Speaking to Sky News' Sunday Morning, Ms Nandy said: "We need far more robust processes in place to protect women like the women who bravely came forward in the Russell Brand case to make sure that they are protected and treated seriously.
"Hand on heart, I don't think we can say that this couldn't happen today.
"In fact, I would wager that this is probably happening today, and I don't think that the industry is doing enough to tackle it."
Power imbalances in media and entertainment
Ms Nandy said there is a particular responsibility on media and entertainment organisations, where power imbalances may be used to exploit people.
"I do think that there is a particular responsibility on media and entertainment organisations, just as there is in politics, to recognise that these are industries where people often are on short-term, flexible contracts where there are huge power imbalances, and where speaking up can really cost you your reputation and cost you opportunities," she said.
She urged organisations to sign up to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, an industry body that protects whistleblowers, adding that the Government is "considering what further steps we can take".
Brand faces sentencing
Pressed on whether enough has changed, Ms Nandy said: "I can't see what has changed in terms of the way that many institutions in media and entertainment enable people to come forward, protect and support them.
"I can't see what has changed in the intervening years."
Brand was found not guilty of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Police have since revealed that more allegations against him are being investigated.
The head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, said he "wouldn't be surprised if many, many more come forward".
Brand has spent three nights in custody and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, when senior judge Mr Justice Bennathan has warned him to expect a "significant" jail term.
