Trump Jr backs Russell Brand after rape and sexual assault convictions

Donald Trump Jr has defended Russell Brand after a British jury convicted the comedian of rape and three counts of sexual assault, alleging he had been treated unfairly by a “two-tier justice system”. Trump Jr questioned the evidence and suggested Brand’s Christian faith and conservative politics influenced the case; his claims contrast with the jury’s verdict and the judge’s criticism of Brand’s testimony.

Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison. The rape conviction concerns a 21-year-old fan he met backstage at a west London comedy show in 2009; the jury acquitted him of two other rape charges and one attempted indecent assault charge, including an allegation from 1999. Police said more people had come forward with information or reports since the verdict.