Labour MP Chris Bryant has disclosed that he was sexually abused as a teenager by Michael Croft, the founder of the National Youth Theatre. Bryant, now an arts and telecoms minister, was 16 when the abuse occurred in 1978. Croft, who was about 40 years older, died in 1986.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Bryant described how Croft would invite him to dinner during rehearsals and then take him to his house. On one occasion, Bryant returned from the toilet to find Croft naked except for a silk robe, after which Croft demanded oral sex. Bryant felt he had no choice but to comply, leaving him feeling like “a 16-year-old whore”.
Bryant said Croft never made another advance, and they remained friends. Bryant, an ordained minister, even conducted Croft’s funeral. He described Croft’s behaviour as “despicable” and noted that Croft targeted him because he was gay at a time when homosexuality was largely illegal.
Bryant also revealed that at least one other friend from the National Youth Theatre was abused by Croft and has been “destroyed by it all”. Others have previously come forward with allegations. Additionally, Bryant said he had been sexually assaulted by five male MPs during his time in Westminster but did not report them due to fear of repercussions and lack of a proper system.
The National Youth Theatre issued a statement expressing gratitude to Bryant for disclosing the abuse and apologising for what happened. They affirmed their support for victims and noted that Croft has been deceased since 1986, but all reports are handled under their safeguarding policy.
