Russell Brand and David Walliams joked about gay ‘smokescreen’ tactic that ‘works wonderfully well’ years before scandals

A 2006 clip has resurfaced in which David Walliams and Russell Brand joked that appearing to be gay could act as a “smokescreen”. The exchange is drawing renewed attention because both men have since faced serious sexual misconduct allegations, and Brand was sentenced to prison this week.

The clip came from Brand’s radio show, where guest Matt Lucas joked that Walliams and Brand were “the two gayest straight blokes”. Walliams called it a “wonderful smokescreen”, and Brand said it “works wonderfully well”. Brand was sentenced to 10 years for rape and sexual assault; he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Walliams has faced allegations from multiple women, including claims involving girls aged 15, which he denies; he says he regrets behaving thoughtlessly in past casual relationships.