Labour MP Chris Bryant has bravely disclosed that he suffered historical sexual abuse as a teenager by Michael Croft, founder of the National Youth Theatre (NYT). The arts minister, now 63, was just 16 when the abuse occurred in 1978.
Chris Bryant described Croft then in his late 50s as a predator who exploited his position. The MP recalled being invited to dinners in King’s Cross, followed by visits to Croft’s home. One night, he returned from the bathroom to find Croft nearly naked, demanding oral sex. “I felt like a 16-year-old whore,” Bryant told The Sunday Times. Though the abuse happened once, Croft maintained contact, and Bryant even conducted his funeral years later.
Bryant revealed that at least one other friend from NYT was abused by Croft, leaving them emotionally shattered. Others have previously accused Croft, who died in 1986, of misconduct. Chris Bryant also disclosed that five male MPs sexually assaulted him during his Westminster career. At the time, he feared reporting would damage his reputation amid rampant homophobia.
The NYT issued a statement acknowledging Bryant’s historical sexual abuse and apologizing to all victims, including Chris Bryant. They emphasized their modern safeguarding policies, urging survivors to come forward for trauma-informed support. “While Chris doesn’t feel permanently damaged, we recognize abuse’s lasting effects,” the NYT said. The organization has overhauled protections since the 1970s.
Chris Bryant’s disclosure highlights how power imbalances enable abuse, especially in arts and politics. His story follows recent revelations about Harvey Weinstein’s victims, showing how institutions often fail the vulnerable.
Survivors of historical sexual abuse can seek help through Rape Crisis (UK), RAINN (US), or 1800Respect (Australia). Bryant’s memoir, detailing his experiences, will publish soon.
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