Noel Fielding has spoken publicly for the first time about Russell Brand since Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
In a statement to The Sun, published on Friday, Fielding said he was horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Brand’s crimes, and that his thoughts were with the women whose courage brought him to justice. Fielding, 53, said he had no contact with Brand for many years and described their relationship as professional rather than personal.
Fielding worked with Brand on television, radio and live comedy shows during the 2000s, including the Channel 4 quiz show The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. In the statement he said he had appeared with Brand on TV, radio and live charity shows, and that while they played up their relationship for the cameras, he considered it a professional one. He also said he regretted jokes he made alongside Brand, calling them horrible and inappropriate.
Brand was convicted on November 5 at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. On November 9 he was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.
Fielding has not been accused of misconduct, and there is no suggestion he knew about Brand’s crimes before they became public.
Source: NME
