TV presenter Neil Oliver has reiterated his support for Russell Brand after the comedian was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
On Friday, November 6, the Scottish host of The Neil Oliver Show and regular GB News commentator shared a photo he had previously taken with Brand. The image dates from January 2024, when Brand visited Oliver's home in Stirling, Scotland.
Oliver's public message
Oliver, 59, first posted the picture on X in April 2025, tagging Brand and writing: "@rustyrockets [Brand's username on X] is my friend." After Brand's conviction, the former BBC presenter retweeted the photo with the message: "Still is."
The two figures have increasingly aligned themselves with anti-establishment, Covid-sceptic and conspiracy-oriented media spaces. Oliver's post drew criticism from several users, with one writing: "Still is. And a jury just found him guilty of rape and sexual assault. Loyalty to a convicted predator says everything about you."
Conviction and sentencing
On Thursday, November 5, Brand was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others over allegations dating back years. Judge Joel Bennathan said the actor-comedian faces a "significant" prison term when he is sentenced on Monday.
Brand, 51, who shares three children with his wife, TV presenter Laura Gallacher, denied the charges. He testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life, but had never forced anyone to do something against their will.
Custody and police response
Brand was taken into custody after the judge rejected a bail request to let him see his children because of the possibility he might flee. "I regret the hardship caused to the children, of course," the judge said. "But the hardship has been caused by serious criminal offending by their father."
Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said the conviction was "a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them." He said: "Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement." Brand is now being held at HMP Wandsworth as he awaits sentencing.
