The Cautionary Tale of Russell Brand

Russell Brand, the English comedian, actor, and recently alternative broadcaster, was in the middle of a stand-up tour when he was given eight days to respond to allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse said to have occurred between 2006 and 2013 and soon to be published in a combined investigation by the Times (of London), the Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches.

In a video shared with his social-media followers, Brand maintained his innocence, arguing that despite being “very, very promiscuous,” his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual.” He alluded to “witnesses whose evidence directly contradicts the narratives” of these mainstream media outlets’ “coordinated attack.” The Times, incorporating these remarks, published its story last Saturday.

About the Author

Madeleine Kearns

Madeleine Kearns is a former staff writer at National Review.

Featured Tags

Russell Brand, the English comedian, actor, and recently alternative broadcaster, was in the middle of a stand-up tour when he was given eight days to respond to allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse said to have occurred between 2006 and 2013 and soon to be published in a combined investigation by the Times (of London), the Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches.

In a video shared with his social-media followers, Brand maintained his innocence, arguing that despite being “very, very promiscuous,” his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual.” He alluded to “witnesses whose evidence directly contradicts the narratives” of these mainstream media outlets’ “coordinated attack.” The Times, incorporating these remarks, published its story last Saturday.