In London there are growing calls for the identity of a gay comedian who has been mentioned, but not named, in a suicide inquest to be revealed.
Britain’s Daily Telegraph has reported that teenager Ben Cowburn took his own life in 2010 after telling family and friends that he he felt he had been groomed by a well known male comedian, an experience which he had said left him feeling ‘belittled and humiliated’.
The teenager moved to London from the small town of Truro in Cornwell in 2009 to study fashion. The Court has heard that he met a celebrity comedian when he was with friends in a pub. The comedian hired him as an additional stylist, and while he was not paid for his work, the comedian showered him with gifts. The court has only referred to the comedian as Mr X to protect his identity.
The teenager was also allegedly taken to drug fueled parties where he was encouraged to strip naked in front of other men and on occasions the man would creep into his bed for sex.
When the teenager had a falling out with the comedian, he attempted suicide on several occasions. He was admitted to a mental health facility but took his own life.
Police have stated that the relationship between the men appeared to be consensual and they had seen no grounds to question the comedian.
Politician Priti Patel has criticised the decision by Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon to allow the comedian to remain anonymous. The MP has argued that the public have a right to know the celebrities identity.
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