Overview
- Short clips from a February 2025 podcast surfaced on Saturday and prompted immediate outrage from politicians and social media users who said the remarks minimised rape.
- The comments quoted Manivannan as saying there is a “demonisation” of rape and that it exists “on a spectrum,” language that opponents called deeply harmful to survivors.
- Manivannan has said the excerpts are taken out of context, identified themself as a survivor of sexual violence, and said the full interview argued against stereotyping perpetrators and for broader legal and social change.
- Opposition parties have pressed the Scottish Greens to withdraw the party whip, and party leaders are under pressure to decide on discipline as the controversy unfolds.
- Manivannan was elected in May while on a student visa, faces a visa expiry later this year, and is seeking alternative permission to remain, a factor that could affect their ability to serve a full parliamentary term.