Sexual jokes, kisses and nipples: Russell Brand’s most embarrassing interview moments
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Comedian Russell Brand was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse by four women at the height of his fame.
The alleged assaults occurred between 2006 and 2013, when he was a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, and include an attack on a 16-year-old girl.
He vehemently denied the “very serious criminal allegations” ahead of a Sunday Times article and an expected expose due to be broadcast on Channel 4’s Dispatches this evening.
The allegations include that crew members on his “Big Brother” spin-off were made to feel like they were working as “pimps” by approaching young women on his behalf, and that he raped a woman at his Los Angeles home .
In a video posted on social media, the 48-year-old actor said he had received “two extremely disturbing letters” detailing “extremely egregious and aggressive attacks” related to his “promiscuous” past.
While he didn’t provide details about the claims, he insisted his relationships are “absolutely always consensual.”
He also attacked a “serious and concerted agenda” to silence him.
Since ending his career as a host and stand-up comedian, Brand started a podcast and runs a yoga and mental health-focused YouTube channel called Awakening with Russell.
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Russell Brand denies “very serious criminal allegations”
The comedian and actor said he “absolutely rejects” the allegations made against him, which he did not disclose in detail but described as “very, very serious criminal allegations.”
Brand, 48, said the allegations “concern the time when I was working in the mainstream, when … I was very, very promiscuous.”
Holly Evans16. September 2023 2:59 p.m
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If you need support, contact Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
If you are in the US, you can call Rainn at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:56 p.m
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If you need support, contact Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
If you are in the US, you can call Rainn at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:56 p.m
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Actor “showed his friends intimate pictures” of women
A former personal assistant to Brand claimed he openly showed intimate images of women to his friends, which made her feel sick.
Helen Berger, who worked for the presenter in 2006, was also told by one of his managers that her homosexuality was a “plus” for the job, which she said was his effort to “make sure I was safe.”
She also claimed he was a “narcissist” who often only wore underwear during her work, while Brand told another celebrity assistant during her interview that he “likes to walk around with no clothes on.”
Liliana dalla Pianna, who worked for Brand between December 2007 and January 2008, believed she was hired by his managers because she was “closer to his mother’s age.”
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:52 p.m
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Channel 4 crew members felt they were “working as pimps for him”
The Sunday Times reports that in the early years of his career as a Channel 4 presenter, Brand accused TV researchers and runners of tricking them into targeting young female viewers so he could meet them after filming.
Two former crew members who worked on Brand’s Big Brother’s Big Mouth said they felt like they were working as “pimps” for Brand.
One claimed he showed up at his hotel room in his underwear and suggested a “quickie”, while another claimed he pointed his penis in her direction in his changing room.
The latter entered into a relationship with Brand, who insisted that the matter remain “completely secret” as part of his contract with the production company Endemol. Endemol has since reviewed the contract and confirmed that no such clause exists.
Brand has denied the allegations against him, saying they are a “litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks.”
Russell Brand at the British Comedy Awards 2006
(Getty Images)
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:44 p.m
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From the Sachsgate Scandal to Conspiracy Controversies: A Timeline of Russell Brand’s Life and Career
The comedian, actor and presenter is believed to be the subject of an upcoming newspaper investigation and Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, which will air on Saturday September 16 at 9pm.
Ahead of the documentary, here’s a timeline of Brand’s career and controversies, from his beginnings as a comedian to today.
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:35 p.m
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Brand allegedly had a three-month relationship with a student
As an adult, Russell Brand reportedly had a three-month relationship with a 16-year-old girl when he was 30 years old.
He was a BBC radio presenter at the time and met the student while shopping in Topshop before asking her out.
She told the Sunday Times that he referred to her as “the child” and became increasingly controlling as his management knew he had a teenage girlfriend.
She claims that on their first date he asked her to confirm whether she was 16, saying: “I don’t give a fuck if you’re 12.” . I need to know where I stand legally.”
He allegedly provided her with “scripts” to deceive her parents and told her not to trust her friends.
She claims he sexually abused her in his home before their relationship ended after she discovered him in bed with another woman.
Brand has denied all of the Sunday Times’ allegations and said his relationships have been “absolutely always consensual”.
Russell Brand was reportedly in a relationship with a 16-year-old student
(Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:33 p.m
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Russell Brand is accused of raping and sexually assaulting four women
Comedian Russell Brand has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting four women at the height of his fame.
The 48-year-old has denied the allegations following a Sunday Times investigation.
Four women have accused him of sexual assault between 2006 and 2013, while others accused him of controlling, abusive and predatory behavior.
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:13 p.m
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Why Russell Brand’s allegations don’t surprise me
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard by now about the latest MeToo “bombshell” revelations, targeting none other than self-confessed former “lothario” and sex addict Russell Brand.
The fact that serious allegations are being made against a well-known male comedian is a big deal. It is shocking. But surprising? Not as much.
Victoria Richards has more
Holly Evans16. September 2023 4:10 p.m
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Presenter Kirsty Gallacher supports Brand with a social media post
Brand’s sister-in-law Kirsty Gallacher has supported him after reposting his two-minute video in which she denied “very serious criminal allegations against him”.
Ms Gallacher, 47, is the older sister of Brand’s wife Laura. The Smooth Radio presenter shared the video on Instagram with a big red love heart ahead of a Channel 4 show this evening.
Holly Evans16. September 2023 3:45 p.m