Russell Brand’s Social Media Account Shares Defiant Three-Word Message Just Days Into His Reported 10-And-A-Half-Year Prison Sentence — As Thousands Sign A Petition And His Facebook And Instagram Accounts Are Permanently Disabled
Russell Brand’s social media account has sparked fresh controversy after sharing a message supporting a petition just days after the former comedian reportedly began serving a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence for rape and three counts of sexual assault.
A post published on his X account included a link to a newly launched Change.org campaign alongside three words: “Free Russell Brand”.
The development comes after Meta disabled Brand’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, removing his access to platforms where he had accumulated millions of followers.
Thousands Sign Petition Following Russell Brand’s Sentencing
The petition shared by Brand’s X account had attracted 11,545 signatures at the time of the original report.
An accompanying photograph shows Brand walking alongside his wife, Laura Gallacher, outside court during his trial, beneath the words “Justice for all”.
The campaign calls for Brand’s right to challenge his convictions through lawful appeal procedures to be respected.
However, its organisers have made clear that the initiative is independent and has not been officially authorised by Brand or his legal representatives.
Despite the petition’s title and its growing number of signatures, the campaign does not itself constitute a formal appeal against his convictions.
It also remains unclear who is currently managing Brand’s social media account or whether he personally authorised the latest post.
Facebook And Instagram Accounts Disabled
The petition emerged shortly after Brand lost access to two of his largest social media platforms.
Before their removal, his Instagram account reportedly had more than five million followers, while his Facebook page had accumulated approximately 6.2 million.
A message published on his X account, which has around 10 million followers, responded to Meta’s decision.
“There never was a Russell Brand, according to Meta. Thank God for Elon Musk,” the post read, before ending with the words “Stay tuned”.
The account also shared an email attributed to Meta explaining that Brand’s Instagram account had been disabled for failing to comply with its Community Standards.
In the months leading up to his trial, Brand had used social media to maintain his innocence while continuing his work as a political commentator, wellness influencer and religious podcaster.
X owner Elon Musk has previously expressed support for Brand and publicly questioned the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Judge Delivers Damning Remarks During Sentencing
According to the report, Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Bentham reportedly condemned Brand’s behaviour, describing his attitude towards women as demonstrating “staggering arrogance”.
The judge also accused the former comedian of exploiting his celebrity status and disregarding women’s right to refuse his advances.
The remarks came as the court heard powerful statements detailing the lasting impact of Brand’s offences on his victims.
Victims Reveal The Devastating Impact Of His Actions
One woman, whom Brand was convicted of raping in 2009, described experiencing considerable emotional and physical distress following the assault.
She told the court that she struggled to sleep, eat and manage her emotions, eventually taking time away from work and returning to live with her parents.
She also explained how Brand’s wealth, fame and influence created a significant imbalance of power.
Another woman, who was sexually assaulted after meeting Brand in a Soho bar in 2004, described the pain of watching his celebrity career flourish in the years that followed.
She recalled repeatedly seeing him celebrated in the media while continuing to struggle with the consequences of his actions.
Her statement highlighted the difficulty of escaping reminders of the assault as Brand became an increasingly recognisable public figure.
Brand’s Online Presence Remains Under Scrutiny
Despite losing access to Facebook and Instagram, Brand’s X account remains active and continues to attract attention through its latest messages.
The newly launched petition has added another dimension to the public discussion surrounding his reported convictions.
However, the campaign’s organisers have acknowledged that any challenge to the verdicts must proceed through the appropriate legal channels.
While Brand’s supporters continue campaigning online, the victims’ statements have offered a powerful reminder of the lasting consequences at the centre of the criminal case.