On Monday, November 9, Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault and sentenced to ten years and six months in prison. Despite his conviction, Brand continues to receive a huge outpouring of support from fans and public figures, including Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. Shows Support for Russell Brand
Trump Jr. shared his thoughts on Brand’s conviction on his show “Triggered” on Tuesday, November 10. “When he was like married to Katy Perry, he’s one of the most famous actors in the world, no one seemed to have a problem,” Trump said. “No one seemed to think he was a rapist then. But he finds God, I guess, changes his ways, sees some aspects of conservative life and talks about them.”
Trump Jr. continued, “And now he’s going to spend … years in prison for rape when no one had a problem with it in the prior 27 years.” Brand had pleaded not guilty to the allegations he faced, which occurred between 2004 and 2009. He was found guilty of four of the seven charges brought against him, NPR reports.
The public reacted to Trump Jr.’s comments, creating a debate as individuals picked sides.
Brand and Perry met in 2009 on the set of the film, “Get Him to the Greek.” They married in October 2010 and split after the musician received a text from Brand stating his intention to divorce her. They were officially divorced in July 2012.
Brand has been married to his wife, Laura Brand, formerly Gallacher, since 2017. They share three daughters. She has supported him throughout his trial and was in the courtroom when the verdicts were read.
Police Statement About Russell Brand’s Conviction
There has been much debate about Brand’s case and subsequent conviction. On Wednesday, November 10, his X account announced that his Instagram had been disabled. “There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta,” the message reads. “Thank God for @elonmusk. Stay tuned.” It is unclear who posted the message on behalf of Brand, as he is currently in custody. It is also unclear what “stay tuned” refers to, but it does hint that something is coming.
On Thursday, November 12, Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy released a statement about Brand’s verdict. Per People, it reads that it is “first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them.”
“Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us,” Furphy said. “Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible.”
The prosecution also read out the victim impact statements. Brand was found guilty of anally raping a woman in 2009, and in her statement she said: “It’s something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending,” NPR reports. “I doubt my ability to make good decisions and no longer trust my instinct in the way I did.” The publication notes that she said she didnThe prosecution also read out the victim impact statements. Brand was found guilty of anally raping a woman in 2009, and in her statement she said: “It’s something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending,” NPR reports. “I doubt my ability to make good decisions and no longer trust my instinct in the way I did.” The publication notes that she said she didn’t feel people would believe her because of Brand’s fame.
Donald Trump Jr. Reacts to Russell Brand’s Conviction & Prison Sentence