**Welsh MP Chris Bryant Shares Harrowing Account of Teenage Sexual Abuse by Theatre Founder**
Welsh Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant has broken his silence to reveal that he was sexually abused as a teenager by Michael Croft, the founder of the renowned National Youth Theatre. The revelation comes as Sir Chris prepares to launch his new memoir, where he explores personal experiences that shaped his journey into public life, including the trauma of historical abuse.
In an emotional interview with The Sunday Times, Bryant, who represents Rhondda and Ogmore in Parliament, reflected on the summer of 1978, when he was just 16. During this period, he was involved with the National Youth Theatre in London—an opportunity that, he initially believed, could launch his ambitions in the arts. Yet, according to Bryant, his time in the company took a dark turn due to the inappropriate actions of Michael Croft, who was then nearly 40 years his senior.
Bryant recounted a specific incident at Croft’s home, where after returning from the bathroom, he found Croft wearing nothing but a silk robe. He described feeling powerless, suggesting he felt unable to refuse Croft’s proposition. “I don’t like telling this very much because I’ve not told it very often,” Bryant confessed, addressing the shame and confusion he carried for years.
Despite the gross abuse of power, Sir Chris shared that he and Croft remained in contact in the years that followed, and shockingly, he even officiated Croft’s funeral after being ordained as a minister. “Michael, in my case, managed to spot someone who was gay at a time when homosexuality was not just frowned upon but, in most places, illegal,” Bryant said. He acknowledged internalising much of the shame, fearing the repercussions of speaking out at a time when society offered little dignity to victims or those within the LGBTQ+ community.
Sir Chris also revealed that he was not the only one to endure such exploitation. He is aware of at least one other National Youth Theatre peer who suffered abuse at the hands of the same perpetrator. Today, he is candid about how institutional silence and a lack of supportive systems allowed Croft’s conduct to go unchecked.
In a further admission, Bryant outlined that the corridors of power in Westminster have not been immune from similar issues. Over his 24-year parliamentary career, the Labour MP says he has been sexually assaulted by five male fellow MPs, though none have been named or formally reported. “There was no system for doing so,” Bryant explained, expressing his fear that coming forward would harm his personal and professional reputation.
Reflecting on his long tenure as an MP, Bryant noted a positive shift in attitudes toward homosexuality within Parliament, remarking that the environment has become less hostile for LGBTQ+ individuals in recent years. However, he emphasised the ongoing need for robust safeguarding policies and open dialogue around abuse and misconduct.
The National Youth Theatre has since responded to Bryant’s disclosures. In a statement, the organisation expressed profound regret over the historic abuse suffered by Bryant and others. They extended encouragement to all victims of abuse to seek support, stating: “Anyone getting in touch will be listened to and treated with care and respect by trained professionals, in line with our certified trauma-informed practice.” The charity also outlined that Croft has been deceased since 1986, but reassures that any reports will be properly handled according to their now stringent safeguarding policies.
Sir Chris Bryant’s revelations highlight the persistent, widespread problem of abuse of power within prominent institutions, and the lasting impact such experiences can have on survivors. His willingness to share these painful memories underlines the importance of visibility, support, and reform—a message echoed by the organisations now attempting to make amends and ensure greater protection for young people in their care.