Elon Musk described Russell Brand's sentencing as "unjust" in a one-word post on X, made before the court had decided how long the convicted rapist would be jailed for. The comment came after former MP Andrew Bridgen shared a side-by-side comparison of Brand with Sajid Mahmood Khan, who received a three-year prison term for his role in a child sexual exploitation case.
Bridgen asked: "Are you going to see two tier justice in the Russell Brand sentencing?" Musk replied: "Unjust."
Timing of Musk's Comment
Musk's post was shared on Sunday night, November 8, according to TMZ. This was just before Brand was sentenced on November 9 to 10 years and six months in prison.
This is not the first time Musk has made remarks about Brand that have drawn attention. In September 2023, as a joint investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Times first aired, Brand denied all accusations, claiming his past relationships had always been consensual.
Previous Support from Musk
At the time, the comedian suggested he was being targeted over his alternative political content. Musk then responded on X with his own show of support, writing: "I support Russell Brand. That man is not evil."
The post was shared at 1:02pm on September 17, 2023 and was shown as having 2 million views.
Conviction and Sentence
The online exchange sparked controversy when the allegations first erupted into public view and Brand's supporters rushed to defend him. The case later moved through a major Metropolitan Police investigation, said to be known as Operation Actinolite, before going to a criminal trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, relating to offences said to have taken place between 2004 and 2009 against four women. He was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on November 9, with the judge calling him a "sexual predator". The judge also accused him of "staggering arrogance" and said he told a "series of lies".
The offences were said to include a 2009 rape, as well as multiple sexual assaults, including allegations he groped or forced himself on women at a bar, a radio studio and while working on a television project.
