Noel Fielding has broken his silence following the conviction of his former comedy associate Russell Brand, saying he was "horrified and deeply disturbed" by the crimes and regrets jokes they made together.
The Great British Bake Off presenter, 53, made the comments in a statement to The Sun, distancing himself from Brand and insisting their relationship was professional rather than personal.
Brand, 51, was sentenced to ten years and six months in prison after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on November 5.
Fielding's statement
Fielding said: "I was horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Russell Brand’s crimes, which I was completely unaware of until they became public knowledge. My thoughts are with the women whose courage brought him to justice."
He added: "I appeared on TV, radio and live charity shows with him, and whilst we played it up for the cameras and in the media, I considered it a professional relationship, rather than a personal one. I have had no contact with him for many years."
Regret over past jokes
Fielding also expressed regret over their past collaborations, saying: "Looking back at some of the jokes I made alongside him I was appalled. They were horrible and inappropriate, and I very much regret them."
Fielding was also seen in public for the first time since Brand's conviction, reportedly keeping a low profile during a visit to his local corner shop.
