When Sexual Assault Is Schtick
Russell Brand built a career while objectifying women for sport, and his enablers eagerly watched.
In a criminal trial lasting less than four weeks, comedian and spiritual influencer Russell Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The jury in London dismissed three additional charges, including two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. The testimony from Brand's accusers was deeply distressing, revealing that many of the alleged assaults took place at work.
One complainant testified that Brand had tried to forcibly drag her to the office bathroom for sex in 2001 while she worked at MTV. Another woman alleged that Brand had kissed her in front of his entourage while employed at Choice FM in the mid-2000s. A third woman stated that Brand had refused to film a day on Channel 4 in 2009 unless she performed a massage, and when she complied, he buried his face in her crotch while his associates watched and laughed.
All of these women had previously reported the incidents to colleagues, but no one took action. Brand's career during the 2000s was built on transgressions that closely mirrored the charges against him. His persona, characterized by provocative behavior and relentless provocation, was unique when he rose to fame as a comic in 2000.
Despite being fired from multiple jobs due to his behavior, Brand's career continued to flourish, with each dismissal leading to higher-profile positions. Testimonies revealed that Brand had harassed women in various settings, including at parties, radio stations, and television shows. The culture of sexual objectification and degradation was prevalent at the time, making Brand's schtick seem normalized.
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