Jimmy Carr sparks backlash with Russell Brand joke to promote tour

Jimmy Carr has faced public backlash after sharing a stand-up clip about Russell Brand’s imprisonment to promote tickets for his upcoming tour.The comedian posted the video to his X account shortly after 3.30pm on Monday (November 9), plugging dates for his new show, Killing Jokes, which is set to tour across the UK and US in 2027.In the clip, Carr responds to a heckler asking what he thought about Brand.“What do I think about Russell Brand? Well, this is interesting. It’s crazy to think that Russell Brand is going to jail for something he didn’t do… get consent.“I think Russell Brand’s views on sex and consent are going to radically change in the next week,” he said.The video was shared a round an hour after Brand was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for rape and sexual assault, following a joint investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Sunday Times and The Times.Carr’s timing and decision to use the joke to promote his tour prompted criticism on social media, with some accusing him of using Brand’s conviction for publicity.One user wrote: “You’ve changed your tune about him Jimmy.”Another commented: “Trying to sell tickets on the back of a rapist being sent down is a scum move.”The video was shared just hours after Brand was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for rape and sexual assaultPA WireHowever, not all reactions were negative, with one user praising Carr’s comedy, writing: “Laughed out loud for the first time ever at Jimmy Carr joke(s).“Really good and demonstrates just how clever at thinking on their feet (stand up) some comedians are.”Brand, 51, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women.The court heard how one woman was raped by Brand in 2009, when she was 21, at his luxury London home. Other women who worked at Channel 4, MTV and Capital Radio also accused the former television presenter of sexual misconduct.Read MoreOn Monday, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised Brand’s “staggering arrogance” as he sentenced him to 10-and-a-half years in prison.The judge told Brand: “About 20 years ago Russell Brand, you were becoming famous, you were clever, and in many people’s eyes you were funny and charismatic.“You had also become a sexual predator.”Representatives for Jimmy Carr have been contacted for comment.