WATCH Russell Brand sparks outrage with 'inappropriate' sexual assault joke on live TV
Russell Brand has landed himself in hot water after he made a “disgusting” joke about sexual assault during an appearance on daytime TV show Sunday Brunch.
The comic shocked viewers when he suggested that the show’s host, Tim Lovejoy, was hanging around the Strictly Come Dancing studio waiting for “someone to be drunk enough” to be intimate with him.
Tim’s co-host, Simon Rimmer, is currently competing on the BBC One dance show and Tim has been frequenting the studio to showcase his support.
Speaking to Tim, Russell said: “You’re around there every week, aren’t you Lovejoy?
“What’s your motivation on a Saturday at Elstree, lurking round the dancers? ‘I better come, gotta support Simon!… Stick around, eventually someone will be drunk enough.'”
The two hosts ignored Russell’s comment and swiftly moved the conversation along, asking if the father-of-one had been watching the series.
However, viewers at home were unimpressed with the remark and took to social media to slam Russell for seemingly making light of taking advantage of drunk women:
Russell Brand makes me ill, another disgusting male making rape jokes
— Grace Elizabeth (@TealCardy) October 22, 2017
"Eventually someone will be drunk enough" – great sentiment from Russell Brand on @SundayBrunchC4 given the current conversation. #MeToo
— Gabbie Roscamp (@gabbieroscamp) October 22, 2017
Given the current climate and always, a very poor 'eventually someone will be drunk enough' comment from #russellbrand #SundayBrunch #notok
— Isleofyouall (@isleofyouall_) October 22, 2017
Russell’s comment comes just weeks after dozens of women came forward to accuse high-powered music executive Harvey Weinstein of sexually assaulting them at the start of their careers.
Cara Delevingne, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie have been among the dozens of women to have accused Weinstein of making unwanted sexual advances towards them, with Rose McGowan and Asia Argento among the actresses to accuse the film producer of rape.
Weinstein, 65, has insisted that all sexual conduct has been consensual, with his spokeswoman Sallie Hofmeister saying earlier this month: “Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr Weinstein.”
Yahoo Celeb UK have contacted Russell’s reps for comment.
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