A resurfaced 2013 clip from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon shows Russell Brand bouncing actress and singer Katherine McPhee on his lap, leaving host Jimmy Fallon visibly uncomfortable. The footage has drawn fresh attention online following Brand's recent sentencing for rape and sexual assault.
On-air moment resurfaces after sentencing
During the interview, Brand, who appeared on the show to promote his work, made clear he was attracted to McPhee, who was married to Nick Cokas at the time. As McPhee joined Brand and Fallon on stage, the Get Him to The Greek star tried to pull her toward his chair.
Going along with the gag, McPhee perched on his lap. Brand held her firmly as Fallon looked distressed. "For the Queen!" Brand yelled as he began bouncing McPhee.
"No, Russell, don't even say for the Queen; you can't," the host responded, attempting to steer the interview back on course, reports the Express.
Flirtatious remarks and exit
After McPhee climbed off his lap, Brand told her, "You're beautiful." He then remarked, "I'll just be here, with my sexual charisma," as he took the seat next to her.
Later in the show, Fallon asked what Brand, who had been silent for a few minutes, was pondering. "As you know, I've announced it, I find Katharine very attractive, and I think when she said 'exchange numbers,' I thought of things I'd like to exchange with her," the comedian stated. "Numbers. Genes. Genetic info. Data."
After McPhee mentioned that she had a husband, Brand joked, "I didn't know you were married. I'm going to f*** off now," before exiting the stage.
McPhee's past response and online backlash
In 2023, a decade after the interview, McPhee indicated that Brand's conduct was "harmless." Responding to a clip posted on Instagram, she remarked, "I know nothing [about] what you are trying to claim here, but this specific incident was over 10 years ago, and it was harmless. Please don't try to use me for whatever purpose you are trying to serve."
After Brand's sentencing this week, the interview has attracted fresh attention on YouTube. In the comments section, one viewer posted, "Vile, putrid, sick and disgusting." Another person wrote, "Look at him grab her," while a third commented, "I'd have knocked him out clean if that was my daughter." A fourth observed, "Once a creep, always a creep. Absolutely disgusting individual."
