Johnny Vegas’s 2008 stage encounter resurfaces amid misconduct scrutiny

An allegation about a 2008 Johnny Vegas gig has resurfaced amid renewed scrutiny of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. Journalist Mary O’Hara’s account said Vegas kissed and groped a young woman brought on stage, leaving O’Hara “disgusted”; the episode is being revisited following Russell Brand’s conviction and allegations concerning David Walliams.

O’Hara wrote that the woman, reportedly 18 or 19, was carried on stage by audience members and that Vegas pulled up her skirt and pinned her down while kissing her. She said about half the audience laughed, and comedian Simon Munnery later used a coat to shield the pair. Vegas’s representatives said at the time that the participation was consensual; a later amendment to O’Hara’s article said the woman told his lawyers she had joined in willingly and did not feel intimidated, scared or abused. Vegas previously pursued legal action against the publisher.