World Politics3 min(s) read
Russell Brand posts ‘disgusting’ video on social media days after he was sentenced to 10 years in jail
Russell Brand’s X account remains busy, despite the now-disgraced comedian being confined to a prison cell for the next 10-and-a-half-years for sexual assault and rape of several victims.
Brand was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape last week, and received his punishment on Monday, with the 51-year-old’s representatives taking to his X to describe it as a “political hit job.”
Brand's X account posts 'disgusting' video days after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison
While his social media accounts with Meta have been removed, his account on X remains, with the person now behind the account stating “thank god for Elon Musk,” before urging followers to “stay tuned.”
Since being sentenced on Monday, the account has published and reposted several pieces of content defending Brand, including a petition to free the rapist, as well as a video from far-right extremist, Matt Walsh, titled “Why Britain Needed Russell Brand Silenced”.
In Walsh’s lengthy drivel, he cites several conspiracy theories as reasons for Brand’s conviction, specifically referencing Covid-19 lockdowns and how he “betrayed the left”.
Walsh’s video launches a scathing attack on Brand’s conviction, but neglects to factor in the overwhelming evidence against the comedian, and the years of investigation into his alleged sex offenses in the lead-up.
Donald Trump Jr., another far-right conspiracist, whose convictions in his lack of knowledge saw him claim that “no one had a problem” with the comedian, pointed the finger at the British judicial system for an apparently harsh sentence, despite the legal guidelines stating rapists can receive anywhere between 4 and 19 years in prison.
Social media responds
Unsurprisingly, many have taken issue with the repost of the video, with one user saying that he’s in prison “because he’s a disgusting, predatory rapist.”
Other X users took exception to the post: “Because he’s a rapist. That’s why.”
A third commented: “Because he is a rapist…”
Now, authorities have announced that Brand is being investigated for further sexual abuse offences, after more alleged victims came forward.
During their speeches, the prosecution alleged that Brand had abused his power and standing to exploit women and girls, some vulnerable, for his own sexual gain, with one disturbing detail emerging that after he raped one of his victims, he forced her to clean the bedding afterwards.
The presiding judge, Mr Justice Bennathan closed with a cutting statement on Brand’s behavior during his years as a celebrity: “You were clever - and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator. Your status protected you until 2023 when journalists published allegations.”
With all of the controversial posts remaining up on his X page, it has left many speculating who may be behind it, with several users believing it to be his wife, Laura, who is sharing such content.