Jimmy Carr has found himself at the center of an online backlash after making a joke about Russell Brand just hours after the former comedian was sentenced to more than a decade behind bars.
Carr, the British comedian and television host known for his sharp one-liners and deadpan delivery, shared a clip from his latest stand-up tour on social media on Monday, November 9. In it, he takes aim at Brand, who had just received a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault.
The moment came after a heckler in the audience asked Carr what he thought about Brand.
“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 clip was posted on X and quickly attracted millions of views. But while some viewers applauded Carr’s response, others were far less impressed with the timing and accused him of using a serious criminal case to promote his upcoming tour.
One person wrote: “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 commented: “Cashing in on this is beyond despicable.”
A third added: “Trying to sell tickets on the back of a rapist being sent down is a scum move.”
Not everyone agreed with the criticism, however. Some users defended Carr, with one describing him as a ‘funny man’ who was ‘telling it like it is’.
What happened to Russell Brand?
Brand, 51, was once one of Britain’s most recognizable entertainers.
He rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and television presenter before moving into Hollywood, appearing in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.
His public image changed dramatically after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches in 2023. Several women came forward with allegations relating to incidents over a number of years.
Following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, a jury found Brand guilty on November 5 of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women.
The disgraced entertainer was acquitted of two further rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault. Brand denied the charges and maintained that the sexual encounters had been consensual.
On November 9, Judge Mr Justice Bennathan sentenced him to 10 years and six months in prison. The judge also praised the courage of the women who came forward and testified during the proceedings.
What happens next?
Russell Brand must now remain on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.
He is expected to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before being released on licence.
That means he could serve around seven years behind bars, although his release will be subject to the applicable rules and conditions.
His legal position may not be settled there, either.
Police have confirmed that he remains under investigation in connection with two further rape allegations made by women. Those matters are separate from the offences for which he has now been convicted.
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