Prison bosses at HMP Wandsworth, where convicted sex offender Russell Brand is being held, are reportedly on alert in case the disgraced comedian tries to launch a Christian cult from behind bars. Brand, who was baptised in the River Thames by Bear Grylls in 2024, has already been visited by the prison chaplain and reportedly fell to his knees to pray during his first few days inside.
After a cryptic social media post from prison, Brand is reportedly making clear he does not intend to stop preaching his newfound faith during his 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assault. A source told the Daily Star that bosses fear he could “start to lure in other prisoners” when he is allowed to join the general population.
Isolation on C-Wing
Brand is currently being held in isolation in a cell of his own on C-wing, usually reserved for vulnerable prisoners. The source said: “He is a high profile celebrity inmate, that brings its own set of challenges but also others many want to find him, and we have all heard his preaching outside of prison walls. It is likely that will continue.”
They added: “People cope in all sorts of ways behind bars. And a lot of time that turns to religion. But extremist views are kept a very close eye on. Inmates who try to preach too much or indoctrinate others into their way of thinking are always regarded as a potential security risk, it makes no difference as to what the religion or following actually is.”
Social Media Post from Prison
Brand managed to post to his X account while in prison, with a message aimed at owner Elon Musk. It came after his Meta accounts on Instagram and Facebook were removed. The post read: “There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta. Thank God for Elon Musk. Stay tuned.”
According to The Sun, Brand’s Christian views could put him in danger, as one ex-con explained there are “a lot of extremist Muslim inmates at Wandsworth”. A source called Brand a “marked man” and told him to “keep his head down,” as he will be susceptible to violence due to his fame and the nature of his offences.
Maintaining Innocence
Brand continues to maintain his innocence despite the guilty verdicts.
