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‘We are coming for you and hope you never sleep again’: Celebrity victims of ‘toxic’ Russell Brand vow to expose other famous sex predators – as comic faces claims from six more women
Comedian Josie Long has alleged that Russell Brand bit her face backstage and chased her after she told him she did not like it, describing the incident as a physical assault in retrospect. Her account comes after Brand was jailed for ten and a half years for rape and three sexual assaults, and amid new allegations from six more women.
Long and other female public figures have criticised what they describe as a toxic culture in comedy and entertainment, and called for greater scrutiny of men accused of predatory behaviour. Katherine Ryan, Jo Whiley, Lily Allen, Vanessa Feltz, Jemima Goldsmith, Lorraine Kelly and Kelly Brook are among those cited; Ryan has spoken of grief and relief following Brand’s imprisonment, while Whiley said a message in which Brand called her a “MILF” still makes her shudder.
In short
- Josie Long says Brand bit her face despite her objections.
- Brand was jailed for ten and a half years for rape and sexual assaults.
- Six more women have accused him of sexual misconduct.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of speaking out argue that public accounts can expose patterns of abuse, challenge cultures that protect powerful men and encourage others to report misconduct. They see scrutiny and accountability as necessary to recognise victims’ experiences and help prevent further harm.
The case against
Those urging caution argue that further allegations and public denunciations should be assessed carefully, with a clear distinction between established convictions and claims that have not been tested in court. They stress that fair process protects both complainants and the accused, and that broad claims about an industry should rest on reliable evidence.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a comedian and actor whose career included stand-up, television and film. He has been jailed for ten and a half years after being convicted of rape and three sexual assaults; six more women have made allegations against him. Those newer claims are allegations and are separate from the convictions.
The case has prompted discussion about how sexual misconduct is reported and addressed in comedy and entertainment. Josie Long has described an incident backstage in which she says Brand bit her face and chased her after she objected. Other women in the industry, including Katherine Ryan and Jo Whiley, have spoken about their experiences and concerns about the culture around powerful men.