Noel Fielding says he is horrified by Russell Brand's crimes

Noel Fielding has said he was horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of the crimes committed by Russell Brand, his former comedy partner, and that he knew nothing of them until they became public. The Guardian reported his remarks on 14 November 2026.

Brand was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. Fielding's comments come as attention has returned to their earlier work together.

Fielding and Brand met at the NME Awards in the early 2000s. They later performed at charity gigs as a comedy duo called The Goth Detectives. Fielding said he appeared with Brand on television, on radio and at live charity shows, and that he considered their relationship a professional one rather than a personal one. He said he has had no contact with Brand for many years.

Footage has resurfaced showing the two men joking about rape with Jonathan Ross on the 2007 edition of Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Fielding said he very much regrets the horrible and inappropriate jokes he made alongside Brand.

Separately, six women have accused Brand of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour since his conviction, according to an investigation by The Times and The Sunday Times. The accusations are separate from the offences for which he was sentenced.