Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Russell Brand

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Russell Brand.

Russell Brand is an English comedian, actor, podcaster, and media personality. He gained initial recognition as a stand-up comedian, radio and television presenter in the UK, notably as the host of 'Big Brother's Big Mouth.'

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: Complaints while at BBC Radio

From 2006 to 2008, Russell Brand received two complaints while he was a BBC radio host and presenter of both sexual misconduct and unprofessional workplace behaviour.

2006: Dannii Minogue's allegations of sexual harassment

In a 2006 interview, Dannii Minogue stated that Russell Brand had sexually harassed her after she appeared on his TV show, calling him a "vile predator" who "wouldn't take no for an answer".

2007: Exchange with Jimmy Savile on BBC Radio 2

In 2007, on his BBC Radio 2 comedy show, Russell Brand called Jimmy Savile and asked to meet him. Savile's response included a condition about Brand bringing his sister. The exchange was featured in the 2023 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.

2007: Alleged assault at the Lowry Hotel

In 2014, former girlfriend Jordan Martin said Brand had committed sexual assault and physical and emotional abuse during their six-month relationship in 2007. She accused Brand of assaulting her at the Lowry Hotel in Salford when he became angry after discovering she had spoken to an ex-boyfriend.

2008: Complaints while at BBC Radio

From 2006 to 2008, Russell Brand received two complaints while he was a BBC radio host and presenter of both sexual misconduct and unprofessional workplace behaviour, with a further six complaints received afterwards.

September 2010: Arrest for allegedly attacking a paparazzo

On 16 September 2010, Russell Brand was arrested on suspected battery charges at Los Angeles International Airport. He allegedly attacked a paparazzo who blocked his and then-fiancée Katy Perry's way to catch a flight. Brand was released the next day after posting US$20,000 bail.

March 2012: Arrest warrant issued in New Orleans

On 15 March 2012, an arrest warrant was issued for Russell Brand in New Orleans. The allegations were that he threw a photographer's mobile phone through a law firm's window. Brand, who was filming a movie in New Orleans at the time, voluntarily appeared at a police station and offered to pay for the window's replacement.

September 2013: GQ Awards "Oracle" award acceptance speech

In September 2013, during his acceptance speech at the GQ Awards after receiving the "Oracle" award, Russell Brand mentioned Hugo Boss's past involvement in making uniforms for the Gestapo. Brand jokingly commented on the Nazis' appearance and goose-stepped across the stage. He was ejected from the event after GQ editor Dylan Jones deemed the speech "very offensive".

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October 2013: Newsnight interview

In October 2013, Russell Brand was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on BBC's Newsnight, where he criticized the British political system and discouraged voting. He stated he has never voted and never will. Paxman questioned Brand's call for "revolution" given his lack of participation in the electoral process.

October 2014: John Lydon criticizes Brand's advocacy of non-voting

In October 2014, coinciding with the publication of Brand's book Revolution, John Lydon (Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols) described Brand's promotion of non-voting as the "most idiotic thing I've ever heard".

November 2014: YouGov poll

In a November 2014 YouGov poll, Russell Brand was identified as the celebrity with the most negative influence on political debate (46%). The poll also indicated that 60% of participants disliked him, while 28% liked him.

December 2014: Protest over rent increases at the New Era housing estate

On 2 December 2014, Russell Brand joined East London residents in protesting against rent increases at the New Era housing estate. During the protest, a Channel 4 News reporter questioned Brand about the value of his rented property, leading to Brand calling the reporter "snide", and the clip going viral on YouTube.

2014: Jordan Martin's accusations of assault and abuse

In 2014, former girlfriend Jordan Martin said Brand had committed sexual assault and physical and emotional abuse during their six-month relationship in 2007.

January 2015: Insulting Ed Balls on Channel 4's Big Fat Anniversary Quiz

In January 2015, during the Channel 4 show Big Fat Anniversary Quiz, Russell Brand insulted politician Ed Balls, who responded by calling Brand a "pound shop Ben Elton".

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September 2021: Bypassing COVID-19 safety measures

In September 2021, Russell Brand told people attending his tour how they could bypass COVID-19 safety measures.

September 2022: YouTube video removal

In September 2022, YouTube removed one of Russell Brand's videos, citing its policy on medical misinformation. Following this, Brand moved his channel to Rumble, where he launched a new daily live show, Stay Free with Russell Brand.

2022: Comments on the World Health Organization's pandemic treaty meetings

In 2022, Russell Brand reacted to the World Health Organization's meetings on the pandemic treaty, saying "Your democracy is fucking finished" and that the world had "lapsed into a terrible technocratic, globalist agenda".