Noel Fielding distances himself from jailed Russell Brand

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 21:38 · Archive

Noel Fielding says he has had no contact with Russell Brand for years after Brand was jailed for 10 and a half years for rape and sexual assaults.

The Great British Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding has issued a statement distancing himself from Russell Brand following Brand's conviction. Brand was jailed for 10 and a half years for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. He has also been accused of abusing his celebrity status to prey on women.

In a statement to The Sun, Fielding said he was 'horrified and deeply disturbed' to learn of Brand's crimes and that he was 'completely unaware' of them until they became public knowledge. 'My thoughts are with the women whose courage brought him to justice,' Fielding said.

Fielding described his relationship with Brand as professional rather than personal, despite their public appearances together. 'I appeared on TV, radio and live charity shows with him, and whilst we played it up for the cameras and in the media, I considered it a professional relationship, rather than a personal one. I have had no contact with him for many years,' Fielding stated.

The pair had worked together on Channel 4's Big Fat Quiz Of The Year and performed charity gigs together as The Goth Detectives. Fielding expressed regret about their collaborations, saying: 'Looking back at some of the jokes I made alongside him I was appalled. They were horrible and inappropriate, and I very much regret them.'

On the same day Fielding issued his statement, a further six women accused Brand of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour in a new investigation by The Times and The Sunday Times. Other media figures have also distanced themselves from Brand, with presenter Jonathan Ross issuing a similar statement.

How it is being reported

• Noel Fielding speaks out on Russell Brand relationship after jail sentenceNoel Fielding says he has had no contact with Russell Brand for years after the comedian was jailed for 10 and a half years for rape and sexual assaults.Brentwood Guardian · 14 Nov, 14:58
• Noel Fielding speaks out on Russell Brand relationship after jail sentenceNoel Fielding says he has had no contact with Russell Brand for years after the comedian was jailed for 10 and a half years for rape and sexual assaults.Colchester Gazette · 14 Nov, 14:58
• Noel Fielding speaks out on Russell Brand relationship after jail sentenceNoel Fielding says he has had no contact with Russell Brand for years after the comedian was jailed for 10 and a half years for rape and sexual assaults.Echo (Basildon) · 14 Nov, 14:58

In this story: Noel Fielding · Russell Brand · Great British Bake Off · Channel 4 · The Sun · The Times

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