Footage has resurfaced of Bob Geldof calling Russell Brand a "c***" at the 2006 NME Awards, following Brand's conviction for rape and sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court.
The clip of the awkward encounter was included in a Channel 4 documentary in which the disgraced comedian faced allegations of rape, sexual assault and abuse. Brand was shown hosting the NME Awards and greeting Geldof with a handshake as the Irish rock legend joined him on stage. Upon reaching the microphone, Geldof announced: "Russell Brand, what a c***." The remark was greeted with cheers and laughter.
Conviction at Southwark Crown Court
Brand has been found guilty of rape following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. His victims attended court to describe how Brand had coerced them into sexual activity, sometimes within moments of their first encounter, exploiting his celebrity status to relentlessly pursue a goal of sleeping with 5,000 women.
The court heard how Brand, who once bragged he would not give up in his quest for sex before achieving his "birthright orgasm", disregarded pleas from women begging him to stop. Six women testified against Brand, while the former comedian, who was previously married to Katy Perry, failed to convince any of his celebrity mates or former showbiz colleagues to testify in his defence.
Verdict and sentencing
On Thursday, a jury convicted Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two additional charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. Before entering the dock to hear the verdicts, Brand said "I love you" to his wife Laura Gallacher, the daughter of Ryder Cup-winning golfer Bernard Gallacher. Ms Gallacher was seen to hunch over in the public gallery when Brand was told he now faces an inevitable prison term.
His barrister, Ian Winter KC, made a plea for Brand to be given bail over the weekend as an "act of humanity" so that he could say goodbye to his children, but the judge refused over fears that he would flee instead of returning to court. Brand now faces the prospect of a lengthy jail sentence when he appears before the court on Monday next week, just over three years after first being exposed as a rapist and sexual predator.
Police investigation ongoing
The Metropolitan Police has also confirmed that investigations remain ongoing into two allegations of rape made against Brand. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who spearheaded the Metropolitan Police investigation, paid tribute to the "extraordinary courage, resilience and determination" of the women who came forward against Brand.
He said: "Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible. Brand used his influence, status and fame to prey on and exploit women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be."
