A petition calling for Russell Brand's rape conviction to be appealed and for his release from prison has prompted outrage online. The petition was posted on Brand's profile on Thursday afternoon with the hashtag '#FreeRussellBrand', days after the 51-year-old was jailed for 10-and-a-half years for rape and sexual assault.
Social media backlash
Reacting on social media, people have condemned the appeal. One user, Judith, wrote: 'A jury found him guilty of rape. It appears you don't understand how the law works.' Another person, Matt, asked: 'Hi @Change, is this the type of thing your platform is for, freeing rapists convicted by juries?'
@krelbourne35 added: 'Dear @UKChange Have you noticed that a convicted rapist is using your platform getting rape apologists to sign a petition to set him free? Seems a bit odd, don't you think?' It is not yet clear who was responsible for sharing the petition on Brand's account.
Conviction details
Brand was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. During the trial, jurors heard impact statements from the women who were assaulted. One described Brand as a 'sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life', adding that his fame, wealth and influence had created a power imbalance which left her feeling unable to speak out.
Sentencing Brand, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised his 'staggering arrogance', saying he had developed into a sexual predator during his rise to fame. The judge also said Brand had shown a 'casual arrogant disregard to any woman's right to say no to you'.
Sentence and next steps
Brand is expected to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life. Metro has contacted Change for comment.
