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Russell Brand, days after being charged with rape and sexual assault, mentioned one of many primary causes he bought into showbiz and pursued fame was to have “sex with anybody who wanted to.”
The 49-year-old actor shared why he “even bothered becoming famous” within the first place, however continued to disclaim the costs in opposition to him and mentioned he by no means participated in nonconsensual intercourse.
“It’s difficult not to reflect that indeed, the people participating in this are victims of a type, but not victims of me because I’ve always been open,” he mentioned in a video posted Monday to Rumble, in accordance with Fox News. “You can go and watch my standup comedy. You can learn my e book. I couldn’t have been extra clear that I used to be on the market having intercourse with anyone who needed to.
“And let me let you know, if you’re a well-known man, persons are up for it.
“People are up for it! I’ve got to be honest here. That’s part of the reason I even bothered becoming famous in the first place, because I thought this will be a glorious opportunity for hedonistic adventure. Surely then, my life will mean something. Surely, I can find some value in the comfort of strangers. Surely, I can lose myself in endless pleasure.”
Last Friday, British police charged Brand with rape and sexual assault following an 18-month investigation sparked when 4 girls alleged that they had been assaulted by the controversial comic.
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The alleged offences contain 4 girls and came about between 1999 and 2005 — one within the English seaside city of Bournemouth and the opposite three within the Westminster space of central London.
In September 2023, British media shops Channel 4 and the Sunday Times revealed claims by 4 girls of being sexually assaulted or raped by Brand. The accusers haven’t been recognized.
On the identical day he was charged, he responded to the allegations, saying in a video posted to social media that he has “never engaged in nonconsensual activity.”
“I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” he mentioned, talking into the digital camera whereas carrying a straw hat, with a seaside and ocean within the background.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was was a rapist,” he mentioned within the assertion, including that he’s “incredibly grateful” to “have the opportunity to defend these charges in court.”
Brand has denied comparable assault and abuse claims up to now.
Speaking on Monday’s Rumble broadcast, Brand mentioned that since turning into a Christian he can “recognize that sex is a very, very powerful force,” earlier than veering into conspiracy idea territory, saying he was “on the radar of the deep state” and talking about “corruption in the coronavirus era … how companies like Pfizer and Moderna made record profits.”
Positioning himself as a wellness guru, Brand has amplified conspiracy theories lately, backing Robert F. Kennedy’s criticisms of the COVID-19 vaccination on the peak of the pandemic. More not too long ago, NPR notes, Brand has been promoting a “magical amulet” that he claims will shield consumers from malevolent power.
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If you or somebody you already know is experiencing abuse or is concerned in an abusive scenario, please go to the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime for assist. They are additionally reachable toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
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