Unveiling Pain: Labour MP Reveals Abuse by National Youth Theatre Chief

Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant’s courage in revealing his traumatic past will leave you speechless. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Bryant disclosed that he was sexually abused as a teenager by Michael Croft, the former head of the National Youth Theatre, who died in 1986.

Bryant, who represented Rhondda and Ogmore, recounted how, during the summer of 1978, he was invited to dinner by Croft while attending the theatre in London. In a shocking revelation, he described how Croft, who was 40 years older than him, made an advance one evening after he discovered Croft naked except for a silk robe. Bryant felt he had no choice but to comply, expressing feelings of degradation, stating he felt like a ”16-year-old whore”.

Despite this horrific experience, Bryant mentioned that Croft never made further advances and remained friends with him, even officiating at Croft’s funeral. He described Croft’s actions as ”despicable” and highlighted how Croft took advantage of his position, especially at a time when homosexuality was widely stigmatized.

In the interview, Bryant also acknowledged that he was sexually assaulted by five male MPs during his tenure in Westminster, though he refrained from naming them out of fear and perceived societal judgment.

The National Youth Theatre expressed regret over the abuse Bryant and others endured, stating their solidarity with victims and their commitment to encouraging disclosures of past abuse.

For those affected by similar issues, resources are available through organizations like the BBC Action Line. The bravery shown by Bryant not only sheds light on past abuses but also encourages others to speak out and share their experiences.