Jonathan Ross has spoken out following Russell Brand's rape conviction, saying he is "as horrified by the sexual misconduct allegations about David Walliams and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation".
In a statement, Ross said he was once "on friendly terms with both men", but that at the time he was "genuinely unaware of their conduct". He added: "My thoughts are with the many, many women who have bravely come forward."
Ross's Statement on Brand and Walliams
Ross, one of the country's best-known TV presenters, has regularly hosted celebrities on his Jonathan Ross Show, including David Walliams and Russell Brand. He said he was "as horrified by the revelations about David Walliams and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation".
Following the verdict, which saw Brand found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, many have been taken aback by the comedian and actor's fall from grace.
Other Famous Friends Stay Silent
Brand and Noel Gallagher had a solid friendship after the latter attended one of Brand's comedy shows back in 2005. In 2016, the pair were famously spotted at London's Upton Park watching their teams, West Ham and Man City, play each other.
Brand was also Gallagher's best man at his wedding when he tied the knot with Sarah McDonald, a publicist, in a private ceremony on 18 June 2011. Speaking of their friendship, the Oasis guitarist said, "I love Russell. He doesn't half talk out of his arse sometimes."
Courtney Love and Russell Brand had a well-documented friendship. Love previously said she turned Brand down romantically, but the two seemed to remain friends afterwards. Speaking about their friendship on Alan Carr's Chatty Man, she said, "I said to him, 'Russell, you are too musky for me, man.' He is a little musky. We did yoga together, and the musk was there."
Brand's Comedy Circle
Brand and Noel Fielding became friends when they both emerged in the British comedy scene in the early 2000s. Following Channel 4's bombshell 2023 documentary about the allegations against Brand, a resurfaced clip of the pair on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year caused controversy.
David Baddiel and Brand often spoke about their friendship in interviews, and the pair were regularly seen together during public appearances. Baddiel also attended Brand's wedding to Katy Perry, which was full of A-list stars.
