Netflix's new documentary Russell Brand: Open Secret includes a clip of the comedian and his father discussing sex with prostitutes during a trip to Thailand, a moment that has drawn widespread criticism from viewers.
The film, released on Friday (November 13), traces Brand's career and examines the investigation by The Times and The Sunday Times chief news correspondent Rosamund Urwin and investigations correspondent Charlotte Wace. It also explores Brand's relationship with his father, Ron.
Father-Son Trip to Thailand
Urwin described what stood out during her research. "The thing that struck me really early on looking into this, I went through his books. You know, him in his own words," she said. "When he was younger, his father takes him to Thailand."
Mark Pinheiro, Brand's former housemate, recalled a television appearance. "I remember him saying on a TV show that his father picked up two prostitutes. One for him and one for Russell. [They] basically got down to it together in the same room. I mean, yeah, that's his dad."
The footage, originally from the first episode of Brand's 2002 series RE:Brand, has gone viral on social media. In it, Brand asks his father, "Do you remember that first night? When you had that other one and I had that lovely, young Filipino one, didn't I?"
Viewer Reaction and Context
Ron replied, "You fell in love every time." Brand added, "I remember [being] sort of sat down on the bed with her, and she goes, 'I have to leave before I fall in love with you.' And from the other bed goes, 'Oh, bleeding hell! Oh, I'm going to be sick,'" as the pair laughed.
Urwin commented on the relationship. "I think male role models, generally, are incredibly important. And if, you know, you've got your dad, you know, having sex in the same room as you, clearly that is not a normal father-son relationship. That's your first male role model right there. Inevitably, that will affect how you behave towards women."
Social media users condemned the clip. One wrote on X, "Unreal... actually stomach churning. Me n dad having a good old chinwag n larf about the time we had a load of prostitutes in a hotel! Wtf?" Another said, "Just blood-curdling." A third added, "As a dad. I could never imagine taking your son to do this s****. Absolutely disgusting." Others described it as "sickening," "nauseating," and "ghastly and cringeworthy."
Sentencing and Aftermath
Earlier this month, Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. On Monday (November 9), he was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.
In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Bennathan said, "Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent."
Russell Brand: Open Secret is streaming on Netflix. Support is available via Rape Crisis England and Wales or the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999; Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
