Russell Brand has been issued a four-word warning just hours after being imprisoned. The comedian, 51, was convicted a week ago of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and six months in prison. He is currently being held at the South London jail, one of England's largest Victorian-era prisons.
Former inmate issues warning
A former HMP Wandsworth inmate said Brand “needed to survive” until he moves to a new prison, following his sentencing. The ex-inmate suggested Brand is a “marked man”.
The ex-con, who was released last year, said Brand is now a “dead man walking” in Wandsworth. He told The Sun: “If Brand stays in Wandsworth, he’s in real trouble – a dead man walking. He won’t be there permanently but needs to survive until he’s got his permanent move.”
He issued a four-word warning urging Brand to “keep your head down”.
Petition and social media activity
They added: “Brand will be a marked man while he is there and – if he is to stay safe – needs to move quickly.”
His comments come after Brand has seemingly spoken out from behind bars. A link to a petition, alongside the hashtag “#FreeRussellBrand”, was shared via his X account. The image tied with the petition is of Brand and his wife, Laura Gallacher, outside the court with the caption “justice for all”.
The petition already has 11,545 signatures and calls for Brand's “right to challenge his convictions through lawful appeal procedures to be fully respected”. The petition adds: “This is an independent supporter-led campaign. It is not affiliated with or authorised by Russell Brand or his legal representatives.”
In a more recent post, a link to a YouTube video titled “Why Britain Needed Russell Brand Silenced” has been shared via his X account.
