Vanessa Feltz has recounted her horror at a live on-air sexual remark made by Russell Brand, as the former comedian appeared at Southwark Crown Court to be sentenced for raping a fan and sexually assaulting three other women.
Speaking on LBC, Feltz detailed how Brand made inappropriate sexual advances toward her during a 2006 broadcast of his show Number One Leicester Square. She said: “When Russell Brand said live on his show... 'Vanessa, I'd like to have sex with you and both your daughters,' my younger daughter was just 15 at the time.
“I wasn't able to laugh it off. I didn't want to laugh it off. I didn't think it was at all funny. I was horrified. I was absolutely disgusted, in fact.”
Predatory behaviour across industries
Reflecting on the pervasive nature of predatory behaviour, Feltz added: “I think there are Russell Brands everywhere, not just in show business, but everywhere, all over the workplace, in offices, in factories, in restaurants, taxi ranks, hotels, school staff rooms, everywhere.”
Comparing the situation to her experience of being assaulted live on TV by Rolf Harris on The Big Breakfast, she questioned why reporting abuse remains so challenging for victims: “Why is it still so difficult, so hazardous, so emotionally taxing for women to bring sexual predators to justice?”
Court appearance and convictions
Brand, 51, entered the dock at Southwark Crown Court to be sentenced by Mr Justice Bennathan following a four-week trial. He started to pray and told his wife Laura Gallacher “it’ll be okay” as he arrived from HMP Wandsworth, where he has been held for four nights since his conviction.
Brand was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman at his Hampstead home in 2009 after meeting her backstage at the Hammersmith Apollo, as well as sexually assaulting three female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009. In the wake of his convictions, the Metropolitan Police revealed that Brand is currently under investigation over two further rape allegations.
Wider response and warnings
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his officers are braced for “many, many more” possible victims of Brand to come forward, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Brand’s crimes “horrifying”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned there has not been enough change in media organisations to stop celebrities like Brand from preying on women. “We need far more robust processes in place to protect women like the women who bravely came forward in the Russell Brand case to make sure that they are protected and treated seriously,” she said on Sunday. “Hand on heart, I don’t think we can say that this couldn’t happen today.”
The judge has already warned Brand to expect a lengthy prison sentence.
