Do we need a #MeToo movement for men?

A new Panorama investigation looked into accusations of sexual assault against male employees by former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO.

Following the grim exposure of Russell Brand’s alleged sexual abuse by Channel 4 Dispatches, the BBC teased — for the first time in Panorama’s recent history — an exclusive episode. Its focus was kept secret from initial announcement until the time of air.

Given the Brand allegations, a rumour mill quickly got to work in proposing that Panorama was about to launch a similarly high-profile sexual abuse scandal, if not something significantly pretentious in relation to politics and current-affairs — Panorama’s usual subject matter.

Lucy Mangan of the Guardian suggested that this marketing ploy (keeping the episode highly embargoed so as to fuel public speculation and, ultimately, channel ratings) — was a distasteful capitalisation on the suffering of Brand’s victims.

In the end, it wasn’t a celebrity or politician in the limelight, but the former CEO of clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. Mike Jeffries, along with his life partner Matthew Smith, were revealed to have recruited young men for sex parties under the guise of modelling opportunities.