He is one of the most contemptible men in public life, in a league with Jeffrey Donaldson. Imagine the courage it takes for a woman to report sexual violence, knowing how often women are disbelieved, scrutinised and retraumatised, only to watch a man accused of such crimes publicly cast himself as the victim, sermonising about sin, grace and dignity while his trial is under way. I know this from working in Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis. This is precisely why so many women never report rape or sexual assault. They have seen how easily men can deny, deflect and demand sympathy, while the women who come forward are left to bear the cost. I have nothing but contempt for men like Russell Brand, who seem to have no shame about turning their own public disgrace into another opportunity to demand an audience’s sympathy. Ugh.