This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
Rosie O’Donnell had four blunt words for Megyn Kelly after the commentator defended Russell Brand. Kelly had called the comedian’s 10-year, six-month prison sentence “insane” and an “outrage.”
The former View co-host took aim at Kelly after her remarks sparked fresh backlash. The exchange followed Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault in a London court.
Rosie O’Donnell has a four-word takedown of Megyn Kelly over Russell Brand defense
On Nov. 10, O’Donnell responded beneath a Threads post sharing Kelly’s comments. “Go f*** urself Megan,” she wrote, making her position unmistakably clear. The post followed Kelly’s Nov. 9 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, where she questioned Brand’s sentence. Kelly began by questioning the length of Brand’s sentence, asking, “Good lord. Ten and a half years in prison. He grabbed a boob? He kissed the lady? He sniffed a lady?”
She also brought up an anal sex encounter involving one accuser. Meanwhile, she repeatedly characterized the allegations as “grabbing boobs, kissing, sniffing.” She then called the case a “political witch hunt” and insisted, “This is an obvious double standard.”
Moreover, Kelly challenged Judge Joel Bennathan’s handling of the case. She accused him of bias, claiming he “absolutely had a finger on the scale” because he disliked Brand. She also argued that the media had unfairly portrayed the comedian as one of the most prolific sexual predators ever. Her defense came after she interviewed Brand on her podcast in April 2026. In fact, Kelly had questioned the allegations publicly since they first emerged.
However, the verdict followed a four-week trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court. On Nov. 5, jurors convicted Brand of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The offenses involved four women and occurred between 2004 and 2009. Brand denied all seven charges. Jurors acquitted him of two other rape charges and attempted indecent assault.
Judge Bennathan addressed one encounter during sentencing. He said Brand removed a condom without the woman’s consent, forced anal sex, and continued after she asked him to stop twice. The judge also described Brand as a “sexual predator” whose behavior escalated alongside his fame.
Kelly’s defense drew criticism beyond O’Donnell’s response. Brand’s sentencing also reignited discussion about consent, accountability, and celebrity influence. His former wife, Katy Perry, had not publicly addressed the latest development.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
