Russell Brand, Mike Pilavachi, and the Culture of Silence: Why Aren’t We Asking More Questions?
The recent BBC report on Russell Brand’s time at the broadcaster has exposed a disturbing reality: people knew something was wrong, but they didn’t speak up. Why? Because they believed he was too powerful, that he had the backing of management, and that complaining wouldn’t change anything. Sound familiar?
For anyone who has followed the unfolding scandal of Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor, these findings should send a shiver down the spine. Because while Brand is still fighting allegations, Pilavachi has been found guilty by the Church of England’s own safeguarding team of many, if not nearly all, of the accusations against him. The Independent Review by Fiona Scolding KC confirmed that he engaged in prolonged and systemic abuse of young people and used his position of spiritual authority to manipulate and harm.
We now know that Pilavachi:
Physically wrestled young men under the guise of spiritual bonding
Created an environment where he was seen as untouchable and beyond criticism
Used his influence to control and intimidate those around him
And yet, despite all this, many of those who worked alongside him who saw his behaviour up close for years have remained disturbingly quiet.
The Culture of Silence
In Brand’s case, BBC staff reportedly felt he was too influential to be challenged. In Soul Survivor’s case, Pilavachi was not just a leader he was a spiritual figurehead, revered by thousands. How much harder, then, for those in his inner circle to call him out?
But that excuse only goes so far. Those who stood on stages with him, who led worship beside him, who ran Soul Survivor events, and who worked with him for years why aren’t they speaking now?
The Church preaches honesty, truth, and accountability. So where is it?
Soul Survivor’s Responsibility
The Church of England has rightly condemned Pilavachi’s actions. But Soul Survivor, both the wider movement and Soul Survivor Watford, must do more. It’s not enough to distance themselves from him and hope the scandal fades.
They need to investigate, openly and honestly, why so many people failed to act. How did Pilavachi get away with this for so long? Who knew what, and when? And what structures are in place now to ensure nothing like this ever happens again?
Because if they don’t, history will repeat itself. Silence is complicity. And right now, far too many people are still staying silent.
It’s time for Soul Survivor to stand up, be the better person, and finally reckon with what went so terribly wrong.