Jimmy Carr is facing public backlash after using Russell Brand’s rape conviction in a comedy clip. Multiple outlets say Carr shared material about Brand shortly after Brand is sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison following a rape and sexual assault trial.
The Independent reports that Carr was asked about his former TV panel colleague during a stand-up set, where he made remarks that critics described as “despicable.” Metro frames the episode as a “beyond despicable” joke and says Carr posted a clip from his new tour only hours after sentencing. In both accounts, Carr’s comments include references to Brand’s case and the issue of consent, and the controversy centers on the timing and context of the humour. Brand is described as denying the charges and being convicted of rape and multiple counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial.
Overall, the differing angles focus on how outlets characterize the joke’s offensiveness—ranging from “despicable” to “disgusting”—and on the immediacy of Carr’s post-sentencing promotion rather than on new case details.
