Russell Brand sends sick message from prison after petition launched for release

A message shared on Russell Brand’s X account promoted a petition calling for his release, days after he was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault. The posts have prompted questions about who is managing the account, as prisoners are not expected to have internet-connected devices.

The Change.org petition, started under the name “Jane Doe”, calls for justice and for Brand’s right to appeal through lawful procedures to be respected; it had gathered more than 16,000 signatures. Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and is being held at HMP Wandsworth. He is expected to serve two thirds of his sentence before release on licence and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.