Noel Fielding has spoken of his “horror” at Russell Brand’s sex attacks on women and insisted he has had “no contact” with the convicted criminal for years. The Great British Bake Off presenter issued a statement after Brand was jailed for 10 and a half years for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
Fielding’s statement
The comedian told The Sun: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Resurfaced 2007 clip
Fielding’s statement comes after a moment involving him and Brand resurfaced and drew criticism in the wake of Brand’s sex crime convictions. During an appearance on Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year in 2007, Brand and Fielding joked in front of singer Lily Allen, who was the only woman on the panel.
Panellist Jonathan Ross said Allen, 21 at the time, needed to be moved farther away from Brand and Fielding so she “might go home with her dress still on”.
“I’m a bit concerned because look where you’ve put us,” Ross, who was sitting next to Allen, tells host Jimmy Carr in the clip. “You’ve put the only sexually attractive young lady – well, the only young lady full stop, she happens to be very attractive as well – near two of the best-known cocksmen of the business.”
Fielding laughed as he replied: “How dare you? We’re not rapists,” while having some back-and-forth with Carr about Fielding’s Dracula cape.
Brand then interjected with: “What if, horror of horrors, he ain’t even done a rape. You could ruin his reputation.” Brand then turned to Fielding and said: “Have you done a rape?”
In an awkward attempt at humour after being put on the spot, Fielding replied: “Well, if I have, I’d be leaving the scene of the crime like this,” before lifting his cape up to cover his face.
Further accusations and responses
On Thursday, a further six women accused Brand of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour in a new investigation by The Times and The Sunday Times.
It comes after Ross issued a statement distancing himself from Brand, and comedian David Walliams, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, including grooming teenage girls as young as 15, and abusing his position to pursue women. Walliams denies any wrongdoing.
In a statement to the Press Association, Ross 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.”
Brand began his career as a TV presenter and comedian and became a Hollywood star, appearing in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Hop and the Despicable Me franchise. During a two-decade career he cemented his status in the spotlight through his marriage to singer Katy Perry, and subsequent appearances on TV, radio, stage and podcasts.
He is expected to serve two thirds of his sentence before being released on licence, and will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.
