‘He did not deserve this’
Brown is a ‘victim,’ his sister says,
Patrick Brown’s sister has rushed to his defence, calling allegations of sexual misconduct against her brother false and politically motivated, saying “he did not deserve this.”
In an emotional Facebook post, Stephanie Brown — one of two younger sisters of the former Progressive Conservative leader — began by saying “what happened to my brother was disgusting,” and then thanking those who have offered their support during the controversy that saw Brown resign as head of the party after allegations involving teenagers surfaced in the media. CTV News reported Wednesday night that two women were accusing Brown of making unwanted sexual advances when they were intoxicated. Brown, who does not drink, was a federal Conservative MP at the time.
Brown is known to be close to his sisters — even leaving Queen’s Park to pick up Stephanie’s children when she is delayed at work. The two introduced him at the party’s convention late last year.
He has also said he became a teetotaller after his mom told him he needed to be a good role model for his siblings. When Brown faced the media Wednesday night, he rejected the allegations against him, adding: “A safe and respectful society is what we expect and deserve. And no one appre- ciates that more than I do; I’ve got two younger sisters who are my best friends. I have grown up in a family that has taught me good values.”
The accusations, however, were serious enough that five of Brown’s top staffers immediately resigned, and the PC caucus was unanimous in telling him to step down as leader.
And on Friday, newly named interim PC Leader Vic Fedeli said Brown was asked to take a leave of absence from the caucus to deal with the allegations.
“We take all accusations seriously,” Fedeli told reporters. “And in this particular case, I believe the women.”
His sister, however, believes her brother has been treated unfairly.
“And make no mistake, he is the victim,” she posted. “These completely false allegations were 100 per cent politically motivated and nothing more than a political hit. I know them for a fact to be untrue.”
She also criticized the women, who hid their identities in the CTV interviews. “Those who know me would characterize me as a strong feminist but making false allegations does not help the feminist cause,” she wrote. “Applauding accusers who remain nameless ghosts to bolster political (capital) — pathetic. My brother is the kindest person I have ever known — he has always worked tirelessly to help people. He did not deserve this.”