Jonathan Ross has broken his silence on his former friendships with David Walliams and Russell Brand, saying he is “horrified” by the allegations made against the Little Britain star and insisting he was “genuinely unaware” of their alleged conduct.
The 65-year-old presenter issued a statement addressing both entertainers, saying he had no knowledge of any alleged wrongdoing during the time he knew them.
He said: “I am as horrified by the revelations about David Walliams, and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation. There was a time in my life when I was on friendly terms with both men, and during that period I was genuinely unaware of their conduct. My thoughts are with the many, many women who have bravely come forward.”
Joke from 2004 Comedy Awards
Ross also addressed resurfaced footage from the 2004 Comedy Awards, when he delivered a joke about Walliams and a 15-year-old.
At the ceremony, he said: “The comedy awards is 15 years old... 15 years old! And like most 15 year olds, it's drunk, it's unpredictable and it's probably going home with David Walliams.”
Reflecting on the clip, Ross said: “I recognise how deeply shocking it is to revisit footage of a joke delivered by me at the Comedy Awards in 2004, in which I make light of the notion of Walliams going home with a 15 year old.”
He explained that the line had been supplied by the awards' scriptwriting team and said he believed it referred to Walliams having publicly dated younger women.
He added: “It is also a tasteless joke that I would not dream of making today about anyone, but that is beside the point.”
Investigation and denials
Ross concluded: “Had I had any reason to suspect that it might be referring to actual events, I would not only have refused to use it, but I would not have felt comfortable continuing a personal or professional relationship with him. I also like to think that I would have acted upon that knowledge.”
His comments come after a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News published allegations from several women about Walliams. The investigation reported claims that he used his celebrity status to pursue sexual relationships with teenagers and young women, including some aged 15. Walliams has denied any wrongdoing.
In a letter to the journalists, he said he had sometimes behaved “thoughtlessly” in past casual relationships and regretted not always taking people's feelings into account. However, he denied abusing his position, saying: “I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me.”
Brand, meanwhile, is in prison after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
