Kelly Brook Russell Brand comments Loose Women backlash, Digi Mart USA News: Kelly Brook has faced criticism after asking why some women did not speak publicly about their experiences with Russell Brand sooner. The television personality discussed Brand’s conviction and sentencing during an appearance on ITV’s Loose Women, where she said she had warned people in the entertainment industry to be cautious around him for years.
Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. Speaking on the programme, Brook said she knew women who had spoken to her about their experiences with Brand and reflected on why some had not previously come forward publicly, prompting some viewers to describe her comments as “insensitive”.
Brook said she spoke to women who were in these situations and asked why they had not said anything. She recalled that one woman told her, “I thought I was the only one, I didn’t realise”.
She said it was only when multiple women came forward and shared their stories that people realised what had happened to them.
Brook said she was “just so happy” for the women in the legal case who had managed to get justice in the way they have. Describing her warnings, she recalled telling one woman, “Stay away from Russell Brand”.
She added: “Now, I didn’t know about any of these allegations back then, I just knew that he was someone you needed to be wary of.”
Some viewers accused her of being insensitive towards the apparent victims by asking why they had not gone public with their stories. “Asking a survivor why she didn’t say anything?
Shameful,” one wrote on X, while another added: “I was going to say this! I know she meant well but it definitely sounds insensitive.” Others defended Brook, with one user writing: “It’s good to see other celebrities speaking out about Russell Brand.
We need to keep talking so these men can’t stay hidden forever.”
The Standard has contacted Brook’s representative for comment. Elsewhere during her Loose Women appearance, Brook reflected on being previously interviewed by Brand.
She spoke to him in 2006 on MTV while promoting her film Survival Island, but said she was never “targeted” by him, which she claimed was because she was in long-term relationships with high-profile stars when they interacted.
Brand was convicted at Southwark Crown Court earlier this week. The court heard how one woman was raped by Brand in 2009, when she was 21, at his luxury London home.
Other women who worked at Channel 4, MTV and Capital Radio also accused the former television presenter of sexual misconduct.
On Monday, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised Brand’s “staggering arrogance” as he sentenced him to 10 years and six months in prison. The judge told Brand: “About 20 years ago Russell Brand, you were becoming famous, you were clever, and in many people’s eyes you were funny and charismatic.
You had also become a sexual predator.”
Brand’s barrister, Ian Winter KC, launched a verbal attack on Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin outside the courtroom after the sentencing, saying: “I hope you are pleased with yourself.” Urwin replied: “I’m pleased justice has been done,” and Winter responded: “Well, it wasn’t. You f***** it.
Congratulations.”
The exchange came after Brand’s legal team sought to blame media coverage for the case against him, with Winter arguing during the trial that reporting by Urwin and others had “poisoned the well” and made it impossible for his client to receive a fair trial. Trial judge Mr Justice Bennathan rejected these claims and dismissed Brand’s bid to prevent the trial from going ahead because of negative media coverage.
