Noel Fielding statement expressed that he was horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Russell Brand’s crimes, adding that he has not been in contact with the comedian for many years.
Fielding, known for co-hosting The Great British Bake Off, frequently collaborated with Brand in the early 2000s. Brand was sentenced on Monday to more than 10 years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, according to court proceedings.
In his written remarks shared with a UK newspaper, Fielding said his thoughts were with the women whose courage helped bring Brand to justice. He said that while he appeared with Brand on television, radio and live charity events, he viewed their connection as a professional relationship rather than a personal one.
Fielding said he has had no contact with Brand for many years. He also reflected on material they performed together, saying he was appalled when looking back at some of the jokes he made alongside Brand and that he regretted them.
Noel Fielding statement addresses past broadcasts
Old footage has re-emerged showing Fielding and Brand joking about rape with TV presenter Jonathan Ross on the 2007 Big Fat Quiz of the Year. In another 2007 broadcast of The Russell Brand Show, the pair joked about kissing and holding an underage grasshopper. During that exchange, Fielding asked, “How do you even know if it’s a child or an adult? You don’t even care, do you?”
Brand, who was 32 at the time, replied that it was a mistake he had made, describing a scenario in which he believed a grasshopper was “above age” before saying it told him it was 12.
Fielding and Brand first met at the NME Awards in the early 2000s and often performed at charity events as a double act called The Goth Detectives.
Fielding has not been accused of misconduct, and there is no suggestion he was aware of Brand’s behavior toward women. Since Brand’s conviction, six more women have accused him of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior, according to a new investigation by the Times and the Sunday Times.
- Support is available for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers help on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, RAINN can be reached at 800-656-4673. In Australia, contact 1800Respect at 1800 737 732. International helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.
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