A petition calling for Russell Brand’s release has been shared on his X account, just days after the comedian was jailed for rape and sexual assault. The post was quickly met with criticism.
A petition calling for Russell Brand to be freed from prison has been shared on his X account, just days after he was jailed for rape and sexual assault.
The post went up on Thursday afternoon, November 12, with the hashtag “#FreeRussellBrand.” Brand, 51, was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and six months in prison at Southwark Crown Court in London.
What the petition asks for
The petition describes its organizers as “an independent community of supporters from around the world.” It also states that it was not set up by anyone directly connected to Brand, but the petition was shared from Brand’s personal account which is most likely run by someone close to him.
“Following Russell Brand’s convictions at Southwark Crown Court, we are calling for his right to challenge those convictions through lawful appeal procedures to be fully respected,” it reads.
“Russell Brand has denied the charges. We recognize the seriousness of the offences and the rights and dignity of everyone involved.”
The petition lists four demands: the right to appeal, independent legal scrutiny of any appeal, transparency in the judicial process, and fairness and accountability.
It also says it does not support harassment of witnesses or interference with the courts, and ends with the line: “Justice for Russell Brand. Fairness for everyone.”
While the petition has manged to rack up almost 14,000 signatures, the X post is mostly flooded with criticism. “We don’t free rapists,” one person wrote.
Several commenters are also tagging Change, the platform where the petition is hosted: “Have you noticed that a convicted rapist is using your platform getting rape apologists to sign a petition to set him free? Seems a bit odd, don’t you think?”
“If this is his wife then have some fucking shame. Your fella is a rapist,” someone writes addressing whoever is running the account on behalf of Brand.
The judge’s words
Brand was found guilty on November 5 of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. He was cleared of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He has denied all wrongdoing.
At his sentencing, Judge Joel Bennathan did not hold back. “About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous,” he said. “You were clever – and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.”
He also paid tribute to the women who testified. “I pause to pay tribute to the determination and bravery of all the women whose evidence I have been recounting,” he said, noting that they had to face being told they lied, twisted the truth or agreed to Brand’s demands.
“That was all done because of you, and your instructions.”
Brand must serve two-thirds of his sentence before he can be released on license.
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