Russell Brand's last major UK television role reportedly ended after his famous co-star called him a sexual predator, years before his eventual conviction. The 51-year-old comedian was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, November 5.
Brand has been largely absent from British TV screens since appearing on Comedy Central's Roast Battle, hosted by Jimmy Carr, where comedians compete to 'roast' each other. He was booked as a judge in 2018 but lasted only one season.
Katherine Ryan's On-Set Confrontation
Deadline reports that sources close to Fulwell 73, the production company behind the show, said Katherine Ryan brought up allegations that Brand had sexually assaulted women while filming, though the moment did not make the final edit. Ryan has previously spoken about confronting an unnamed co-star on the programme.
Appearing on the BBC series Louis Theroux Interviews, the 43-year-old said: "I - in front of loads of people, in the format of the show - said to this person's face that they are a predator." She told Louis Theroux she did not name her colleague because it was a "litigious minefield" and she had not personally been assaulted by him.
An insider reported that Brand was "absolutely furious" about being targeted by Ryan, while other sources said he demanded producers protect him from being roasted by other comedians.
Why Brand Was Dropped
On the decision to drop Brand from series two, a source said: "Contract negotiations were made as tricky as possible, is the best way to put it. In the end, it came down to the fact that it seemed like Russell didn't have a good sense of humour. He didn't feel he was fair game."
Roast Battle was Brand's last significant recurring TV role in the UK. He appeared on Channel 4's The Great Celebrity Bake Off in 2019, but other bookings have been rare.
Allegations and Conviction
Allegations about Brand's behaviour first emerged in September 2023, when The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches jointly reported that four women had accused him of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. Police then started investigating other reports into his conduct.
By the time his court case began on October 14, he faced seven charges. He was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault, alongside his conviction for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
After the conviction, police reported they are investigating two more allegations of rape against Brand. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "I think it's likely - potentially - that other women will come forward. They'll probably gain some courage and some confidence from what's happened in the courtroom over the last two weeks."
A spokesperson for Katherine Ryan has been contacted for comment. Brand will be sentenced on Monday, November 9.
