A sexual assault campaigner criticised Abertay University for providing a platform to a group accused of harassing survivors of sexual assault. She questioned the university's decision to invite the organisation again, citing over 300 complaints following its previous appearance.
Ellie Wilson, once an SA victim, expressed her concerns in posts on X and in interviews with Scottish media. She alleged that members of Justice for Innocent Men in Scotland (JIMS) had targeted survivors and questioned the group's suitability as speakers for criminology students.
Wilson Questions JIMS' Return
JIMS returned to Abertay on 6 November 2026 to address fourth-year criminology students. Dr Stuart Waiton and JIMS co-founder Kirsty McDermott organised and delivered the lecture, respectively.
Wilson questioned the decision to provide the group with a platform 'For the SECOND time'. She also highlighted the session's timing, noting it occurred 'the day after the Russell Brand verdict'.
'While most of the country were having conversations about sexual violence and the justice system and what needs to change, a group like this, which shames survivors of rape, was allowed a platform,' she said.
The timing is also extraordinary. The talk took place the day after the Russell Brand verdict. While the country was discussing sexual violence and accountability, Abertay was hosting a group that has defended Brand and portrayed convicted rapists as victims.
— Ellie Wilson (@ellieokwilson) November 8, 2026
She Outlines Alleged Harassment
Wilson's objections extend beyond the lecture itself. Her posts accused JIMS members of publishing survivors' medical records and information about their children, intimidating victims during court proceedings, and organising abusive campaigns against them.
Wilson was sexually assaulted while studying at the University of Glasgow between 2017 and 2018. Her attacker, Daniel McFarlane, was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison in 2022.
'I've experienced their behaviour firsthand. I've been called a "skank", bombarded with abuse, targeted with malicious emails, and even had my mother dragged into their campaign,' she said. 'Someone who left the group revealed my name alone was mention in their chats over 600 times.'
I’ve experienced their behaviour firsthand. I’ve been called a “skank”, bombarded with abuse, targeted with malicious emails, and even had my mother dragged into their campaign. Someone who left the group revealed my name alone was mention in their chats over 600 times.
— Ellie Wilson (@ellieokwilson) November 8, 2026
The First Lecture Drew 300 Complaints
Abertay's latest decision follows backlash over JIMS's first lecture in October 2025. The appearance prompted protests and over 300 complaints and feedback from students, staff, and the public.
The university initially stated that the event had not received senior management approval. However, a subsequent investigation found the lecture appropriate for the criminology course and did not uphold any complaints.
Commenting on the group's return, Wilson told STV News, 'The first time around, you could say that it was a mistake that came from complacency, whereas now it feels intentional and deliberate.'
Abertay University Defends the Invitation
In a statement, Abertay University maintained that the session was appropriately organised and that students were informed in advance. It also confirmed McDermott's suitability for the module.
A spokesperson highlighted the university's legal duty to uphold 'academic freedom' and 'freedom of expression'. JIMS, meanwhile, defended its return, stating the lecture enabled students to examine fair-trial rights.
'Views expressed by external speakers in guest lectures are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Abertay University,' the university spokesperson said.
'We understand that guest speakers can be controversial, however it is essential that universities provide an environment where controversial ideas can be explored, discussed and challenged through informed academic debate.'
Wilson argued that academic freedom should not come at the expense of survivors or meaningful discussion. She believes students should have been exposed to opposing views, including alternative perspectives from survivors' organisations and academics.
