Russell Brand has broken his silence from prison, reportedly maintaining his innocence and blaming "evil forces" for what he believes is a "systematic stitch up" following his rape conviction.
The disgraced comedian, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault. In his sentencing remarks, judge Joel Bennathan said Brand harboured a "casual arrogant disregard to any woman's right to say no to you".
Sentence and Conviction Details
Brand was sentenced on Monday to nine years for rape, with an additional 18 months, nine months and eight months for sexual assault. The former comedian was found guilty by a jury last week of the charges involving four women between 2004 and 2009.
According to reports, Brand is alleged to be acting "arrogant" and "above it all" - despite the mounting evidence presented in court.
Claims of a "Stitch Up"
A source told the Daily Star: "He still will say to anyone who will listen that he believes it is the system against him, a mockery of the justice system and believes he has been stitched up by higher powers.
"It's clear he still has zero remorse for his actions against his victims and believes it is all a ploy against him.
"Despite the horror evidence heard against him, he still maintains evil forces are up against him and that's why he is behind bars."
Legal Team and Social Media
Brand is also reportedly said to be "furious" with his legal team and in particular Ian Winter KC, who represented him in court during the eight week trial in Southwark Crown Court.
It comes after Brand shared a message via his X account on Friday after his Meta accounts were disabled. The post read: "There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta. Thank God for @elonmusk. Stay tuned."
It is unclear whether Brand tweeted the message or if it was done on his behalf.
