Russell Brand is set to be sentenced today, Monday, November 9, at around 2pm, after a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault. Despite the conviction, three celebrities have publicly stood by the disgraced comedian.
Brand was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, following eight and a half hours of jury deliberation. The former TV and film star preyed on women he encountered while becoming one of Britain's best-known stand-up comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood movie star.
Neil Oliver's public support
GB News host Neil Oliver said he was still friends with Brand, despite the lengthy prison sentence he faces after his final hearing today. He reshared a photo with Brand from April 2025 that said he was his friend and added the new caption: "Still is."
The post drew fierce backlash, with one person writing: "Still is. And a jury just found him guilty of rape and sexual assault. Loyalty to a convicted predator says everything about you." Another commented: "You disgusting man. I hope that it's remembered that you are on the side of a rapist and I hope you get less work because of it."
Megyn Kelly's defence
Another TV host, Megyn Kelly, jumped to Brand's defence during an episode of The Megyn Kelly Show the day of the verdict, calling him "an utterly charming guy". The controversial US commentator said: "I had a very difficult time believing that he was capable of rape, as I do right now. I don't believe these charges. I'm going to be honest. I don't. I believe he dearly loves his wife Laura, his children, and, as I said, I think he has found God and he's asked for forgiveness from a lifestyle that he completely rejects now."
Support from MAHA Action
Brand also appeared as a featured speaker on a video call for MAHA Action, an American group with the goal to "Make America Healthy Again". Tony Lyons, who runs MAHA Action and has close ties to US Health Secretary RFK Jr., was on the call in October, just weeks before Brand's conviction, and told the former comedian that "we will stand up for you every week, week after week".
Lyons also urged people to buy Brand's book before accompanying him as he left court during his first week on trial, according to video captured by Reuters. Brand thanked Lyons for his support during the call: "Even in a time of great adversity, knowing that I have your support, Tony, has been incredibly valuable. This is a really important time for your country, a really important time for your movement in particular."
