Jimmy Carr sparks backlash with ‘despicable’ Russell Brand joke hours after comedian is jailed
Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Jimmy Carr has sparked a backlash after sharing a ‘despicable’ joke about Russell Brand just hours after he was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years in prison for rape and sexual assault.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday (5 November) following a four-week long trial.
He was found not guilty on three other counts.
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Yesterday, he was sentenced to more than a decade in prison and will serve at least two thirds of his sentence behind bars.
Just hours after he was sentenced, Carr, who appeared on screen with Brand multiple times throughout his career, shared a short clip from his new tour which saw him taking aim at Brand.
In the clip, which was posted on X, a heckler asks Carr what he thinks about Brand, to which the comedian replies: “What do I think about Russell Brand? Well, this is interesting. It’s crazy to think that Russell Brand is going to jail for something he didn’t do… get consent.
“I think Russell Brand’s views on sex and consent are going to radically change in the next week.”
The post, which has since been viewed almost three million times, has prompted a backlash from some who thought the joke was in poor taste, while others said it was ‘too soon’.
One said: “Using the conviction of a disgusting rapist and predator to sell tickets? Really? You may be surprised to learn many of us don’t find anything about Brand a joke.”
Another wrote: “Cashing in on this is beyond despicable.”
A third said: “Trying to sell tickets on the back of a rapist being sent down is a scum move.”
However, others disagreed and supported the joke, with one saying Carr was a ‘funny man’ who was ‘telling it like it is’.
Brand was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.
He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
At his sentencing yesterday, Brand could be seen holding a crucifix in his hands while standing in the dock as he was jailed for more than a decade.
He was sentenced to nine months, 18 months, and eight months respectively for his three counts of sexual assault, which will run concurrently against one another.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan described him as a 'clever sexual predator' who believed fame could allow him to 'act however he liked'.
The presiding judge said: “About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous. You were clever – and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.
“Your status protected you until 2023 when journalists published allegations.”
He added: "The whole episode reeks of casual disrespect, and your belief that fame meant you could act however you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live."
LADbible has reached out to Jimmy’s Carr reps for comment.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Topics: Russell Brand, Jimmy Carr, Celebrity, UK News
Claire Reid
