SNP MSP Q Manivannan has apologised for using what they described as “abstract language” after sparking a fierce backlash over comments suggesting rape exists on a spectrum.
The controversy erupted after Manivannan made remarks that drew widespread condemnation from politicians, campaigners and members of the public across Scotland. The comments were widely interpreted as downplaying the severity of rape, triggering calls for the MSP to clarify their position.
Manivannan has now come forward to say sorry for the way the comments were framed, admitting the language used was too abstract and open to misinterpretation. However, the MSP also pushed back against critics, insisting that what followed was a “complete mischaracterisation” of what they actually meant.
The MSP said the intense public reaction and the way their words were portrayed had caused significant personal distress, stating that the row had brought their own past trauma back to the surface. Manivannan has previously spoken openly about personal experiences of sexual violence.
The fallout has put the SNP in an uncomfortable position, with the party facing pressure to respond clearly to the controversy. Rape and sexual violence charities in Scotland were among those who reacted strongly to the original comments, with many arguing that framing rape in spectrum terms risks muddying the legal and moral clarity that survivors depend on.
Scottish Labour and Scottish Conservative politicians were quick to pile in, demanding a fuller explanation and questioning whether Manivannan retained the confidence of the SNP leadership. The story dominated Scottish political discussion for several days and showed little sign of dying down even after the apology was issued.
Manivannan represents a Glasgow constituency and has been regarded as one of the more progressive voices within the SNP group at Holyrood. The MSP has championed various social justice causes since being elected, but this episode has overshadowed much of that work and raised serious questions about judgment and communication.
For many survivors and advocates, the apology will not fully close the matter. Organisations working with victims of sexual violence in Scotland have long argued that public figures carry a responsibility to speak with care and precision on these issues, given the potential impact on how survivors feel about coming forward.
The row also reignited wider debates about how Scottish politicians discuss sexual violence in a policy context, particularly as Holyrood continues to grapple with legislation and support frameworks aimed at improving outcomes for survivors.
Manivannan has not indicated any intention to resign and the SNP has not moved to withdraw the whip. Whether the apology is enough to draw a line under the story remains to be seen, but the episode has clearly taken a personal toll on the MSP as well as generating significant political heat.
Confusing language around rape is pretty much the last thing you want isn’t it. Sort yourselves out SNP, honestly this is embarassing.