World Politics3 min(s) read
Viewers point out Russell Brand’s chilling body language in resurfaced video filmed days before the rape trial
After Russell Brand was handed a 10-and-a-half-year jail sentence for sexual assault and rape last week, several old videos have resurfaced of the now-disgraced comedian and actor, with one in particular leaving numerous viewers particularly stunned.
Brand was given a lengthy jail term for three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape, following investigations into historic sexual abuse allegations dating back more than 20 years.
Brand's disturbing video just weeks before prison
Since he was found guilty, several viewers have been analyzing Brand's body language in a video filmed just days before his rape trial began, after the comedian and his wife, Laura, discussed their fears about the possibility of him going to prison.
The footage, taken from an October 11 episode of the couple's podcast, 'Sunday Service with the Brands', shows Laura reading out a message from a supporter who claimed to have spent five years behind bars.
The supporter offered words of encouragement to Brand, whose trial was due to begin just three days later, saying they were "praying" for him.
"You will get through it. The presence of God is everywhere - in prison as well," the message read.
However, Brand, 51, appeared to interrupt his wife as she read the reference to prison, tapping her on the shoulder before responding: "I don't like things where it's like, you might have to go to prison."
Laura, 39, acknowledged his concerns, replying: "No, I know," before reminding him that the possibility of imprisonment was part of the legal process.
"That's the nature of what a trial is," she told him.
Brand appeared to accept the point, acknowledging that the prospect of a prison sentence was one of the difficulties he faced.
"That's one of the challenges," he claimed.
Towards the end of the podcast episode, the couple joined together in prayer, asking God for "peace and love and for all the participants in this trial or any trial".
The resurfaced clip has attracted fresh attention following Brand's subsequent conviction at Southwark Crown Court, with Judge Justice Joel Bennathan telling Brand that he had abused his position.
Laura, who appears in the footage, had previously stood by Brand throughout the proceedings and gave evidence on October 29, describing him in court as a "caring, kind and a wonderful father to our children".
She also spoke about the their marriage, and parenting the tree children they share together, telling the court: "We have a very honest, frank, and clear relationship and marriage."
"It is one of the most important parts of our marriage, and our relationship has always been honest," she added, the BBC revealed.
Social media notices same thing about Brand's body language during video
Following the emergence of the old podcast footage, viewers on TikTok began scrutinising Brand's expressions and movements while his wife read the message.
One viewer questioned his facial expression, writing: "Look at his face while she is reading, his eyes moving up and down over her, almost like contempt for even reading it."
Another commented: "He is constantly eyelocking".
Brand will now serve at least seven years in prison, with that possibly being extended should he be charged and found guilty of further, more recent allegations against him.