Russell Brand’s father has spoken out on his comedian-actor son’s recent sexual assault conviction and sentence. Refusing to accept the ruling, he suggested that the jury may be “corrupt.”
Russell’s father, Ron Brand, lashed out at reporters outside a London courthouse on Monday, after his son was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison and convicted on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Ron questioned the justice system and challenged the allegations made against Russell.
When a reporter asked Ron if he had any message for the victims, he replied, “The victims? What about Russell? The girls, you mean, who chased him and harassed him?” When the reporter noted that the conviction came from a jury, he added, “I don’t care. It’s a system. We don’t believe the justice system.”
The confrontation escalated when a reporter asked Ron whether he was suggesting the jury was corrupt. He responded, “Well, I’m saying it’s possible,” adding, “Are you saying it’s not possible?” He also questioned whether negative social media posts about his son may have influenced the jurors. However, he had no evidence to support the claims.
What else does Russell Brand’s father say in the video?
The reporters then asked Ron whether Russell could handle life in prison. “He’s strong,” the father responded, adding that his wife, Laura Gallacher, is also strong enough to cope with the ordeal.
Russell Brand was found guilty on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault by the jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court. During the sentencing, Presiding Judge Mr. Justice Bennathan called the 51-year-old a “sexual predator,” adding that he “used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women.”
“Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say ‘no’ and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent,” Bennathan stated (via Deadline).
“I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be,” the judge added.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
