Noel Fielding has said he was “horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Russell Brand’s crimes” following the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison on November 5 after being found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault committed between 2004 and 2009. Fielding, who collaborated with Brand on television and radio in the early 2000s, stated he was “completely unaware” of the criminal behavior until it became public knowledge.
Fielding describes his past association with Brand as professional
Fielding, 53, addressed the nature of his past association with Brand in a statement issued to The Sun. He emphasized that while the two were often seen together on screen, he viewed their bond as a professional relationship rather than a personal one.
“I appeared on TV, radio and live charity shows with him, and whilst we played it up for the cameras and in the media, I considered it a professional relationship, rather than a personal one. I have had no contact with him for many years,” Fielding said. “My thoughts are with the women whose courage brought him to justice.”
Despite this characterization, some media outlets have reported on resurfaced footage of the two comedians. Daily Mail noted that Fielding had previously mentioned on ITV’s Lorraine that the pair “occasionally” meditated together. In a 2016 BBC interview, Fielding also referenced Brand’s reputation when discussing a potential joint tour, saying, “I’d hunt for clues while Russell seduced the first four rows of the venue (he’s trying to cut down).”
Regret over past jokes
Fielding expressed significant remorse regarding comedy sketches the pair performed together, specifically referencing an appearance on the 2007 Big Fat Quiz of the Year. During that broadcast, Fielding and Brand joked about rape after host Jonathan Ross remarked on the seating arrangements.
“Looking back at some of the jokes I made alongside him, I was appalled. They were horrible and inappropriate, and I very much regret them,” Fielding said.
In the 2007 clip, Ross suggested that Lily Allen, the only woman on the panel, had been placed near “two of the best known cocksmen of the business,” adding, “then Lily might go home with her dress still on.” When Fielding responded, “How dare you? We’re not rapists,” host Jimmy Carr asked, “Why are you wearing a cape if you’re not a rapist?”
Another incident cited by The Guardian involved an October 2007 episode of The Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2, where Brand and Fielding joked about kissing an underage “grasshopper.” During the segment, Fielding asked, “How do you even know if it’s a child or an adult? You don’t even care, do you?” Brand replied, “It’s a mistake I’ve made. I’ve had a lot of problems in the past, because I thought a grasshopper was above age. Before I know it, I’m in it, right, I’m kissing it, I’m holding it. Then it turns around and looks at me with onyx eyes and says: ‘I’m 12.’”
Following his conviction, Brand remains under investigation regarding two additional allegations of rape, according to BANG Premier.