Daniel Sloss, one of the first comedians to speak publicly about Russell Brand's predatory behaviour, has said he has heard "rumours" about other well-known figures. Sloss appeared in the 2023 joint Times and Channel 4 investigation Russell Brand: In Plain Sight, in which four women accused Brand of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. Brand denied the allegations, which were never proven in court at that time.
The documentary prompted a police investigation and encouraged further women to come forward. Those subsequent allegations led to Brand's conviction last week, when he was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Speaking Out on the Circuit
Sloss told Andrew Gold's Heretics podcast, in an episode recorded before Brand's trial, that he had been hearing rumours about the comedian for years on the comedy circuit, and that female comedians had been warning one another about him via WhatsApp groups. He said he chose to speak out after his own experience with a friend who turned out to be a sexual predator.
Addressing the incident in his show X, Sloss said: "You can't do a show talking about calling out the behaviour of other men and then be given a very real chat to call out the behaviour of other men and not do it." He revealed that "a lot of people" in his life tried to dissuade him from taking part in the documentary, concerned that the "more famous" Brand would retaliate against him.
Denying Bravery
Sloss rejected suggestions that he was "brave" for speaking out, saying "it takes no bravery to say here are rumours that I've heard since 19 years old". He added: "That's not the courage that the women in the documentary showed by coming forward and reliving the worst days of their life."
When asked by Gold whether Brand was the only person he had been "hearing stuff about", Sloss responded "No". He said he could not identify them due to defamation risks.
Sentencing Pending
Sloss's remarks come as Brand is scheduled to be sentenced later today following his conviction last week, during which he was also acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. It is anticipated he will receive a substantial sentence. Those present in the courtroom described him as cutting "a strange and lonely figure" in the dock.
Brand has been held at HMP Wandsworth since the verdict and has allegedly been subjected to disturbing chants from fellow prisoners. One investigative journalist cautioned that he will be a "target his whole time in jail".
