Noel Fielding clarifies relationship with Russell Brand and is 'horrified' as 'inappropriate' joke reemerges

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.

Noel Fielding has clarified his relationship with comedian Russell Brand who earlier this week was jailed after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.

Brand, who reportedly could be a 'target' behind bars, was caged for ten years and six months for the offences, for which he must serve at least seven years before being released on parole.

The 51-year-old was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of the rape of a woman in 2009, and of sexually assaulting women between 2004 and 2009.

Now, fellow TV star and presenter Noel Fielding has spoken out about their relationship and said he was 'horrified' to learn of his crimes.

Noel has spoken out (John Nacion/Getty Images)

He has expressed his regret over one 'inappropriate' exchange that has resurfaced, explaining that he is 'appalled' and hasn't seen Brand in a number of years, describing their relationship as a 'professional' one.

A clip between Brand and Fielding making a joke with reference to rape had reemerged from the Big Fat Quiz of the Year in recent days, with Noel saying he 'very much regrets' the jokes.

Speaking to the Sun, he said: "I was horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Russell Brand’s crimes, which I was completely unaware of until they became public knowledge.

"My thoughts are with the women whose courage brought him to justice.

“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.

“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.”

Clips of Noel and Russell have resurfaced (Channel 4)

Following Brand’s conviction, footage resurfaced from the Big Fat Quiz of the Year. In the 2007 episode, host Jimmy Carr welcomes Rob Brydon, David Mitchell, Jonathan Ross, Fielding and Brand, alongside singer Lily Allen, the only woman on the panel.

During the show, Ross says she has been seated next to 'two of the best known cocksmen of the business', in reference to Brand and Fielding. As the camera turns to them, Fielding responds: “How dare you? We’re not rapists.”

Allen later responded, telling Grazia in 2023: "In retrospect, that’s really horrendous. It makes me uncomfortable, but I don’t think I felt that at the time, because it was the culture.”

As per the Sun, Fielding and Brand had both met at the NME Awards and went on to appear together on television, becoming known as The Goth Detectives.

They teamed up for comedy sketches and appearances on the likes of the Channel 4 show.

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