Russell Brand is facing another wave of backlash after a petition calling for his release from prison was promoted on his official X account, just days after he received a 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assault.
The campaign, titled “Free Russell Brand,” has attracted thousands of signatures but also fierce criticism from social media users who questioned why supporters were campaigning for the convicted comedian’s freedom. The controversy comes as Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, reportedly visited him at HMP Wandsworth for the first time since his sentencing, signaling her continued support despite the guilty verdict.
Russell Brand ‘Free’ Petition Sparks Outrage After Prison Sentence
A Change.org petition calling for justice for Russell Brand was shared on the comedian’s official X account on Thursday, November 12. The post included the hashtag “#FreeRussellBrand” and directed his followers to the campaign, which had already collected thousands of signatures. According to the Evening Standard, the post quickly attracted criticism from users who objected to the campaign following Brand’s conviction.
“We don’t free rapists,” one commenter wrote.
Another user reacted more forcefully, writing, “You’ve got to be joking? This is embarrassing as f—! Imagine even bothering to keep up this pretense. HE IS A CONVICTED RAPIST!”
The petition features a photograph of Brand alongside his wife outside court, with the words “Justice for all” displayed across the image. Although the campaign was shared through Brand’s official account, it remains unclear who published the post while he was incarcerated.
Russell Brand Supporters Demand ‘Justice’ And The Right To Appeal
Despite its title, the “Free Russell Brand” petition primarily calls for the comedian to be allowed to challenge his convictions through established legal procedures. The organizers describe themselves as an independent group of supporters who believe the justice system should remain fair and transparent.
“We are an independent community of supporters from around the world who believe that justice must always be fair, transparent and grounded in the rule of law,” the petition states.
The campaign calls for access to legal advice, independent consideration of any appeal grounds, transparency in the judicial process and accountability for substantiated procedural concerns. It also acknowledges the seriousness of Brand’s convictions and the rights of the women involved in the case.
“We recognize the seriousness of the offenses and the rights and dignity of everyone involved,” the organizers wrote.
The petition explicitly states that it is not affiliated with or authorized by Brand or his legal representatives. It also discourages harassment, intimidation and interference with witnesses or court proceedings. By November 13, the campaign had attracted more than 15,551 verified signatures, according to its public Change.org page.
Russell Brand Wife Laura Gallacher Reportedly Visits Him Behind Bars
While Brand’s supporters campaign on his behalf, Laura Gallacher has reportedly continued standing by her husband following his conviction. According to a Mirror report, Gallacher visited Brand at HMP Wandsworth on November 12, marking her first reported prison visit since his sentencing.
The 39-year-old, who shares three children with Brand, is understood to be committed to supporting him during his imprisonment. Her visit came just days after she watched her husband receive his lengthy sentence at Southwark Crown Court.
As The Blast previously reported, Gallacher will not be permitted private conjugal visits while Brand serves his sentence in the United Kingdom. Instead, the couple must rely on ordinary prison visits and approved communication methods. Visitors at Wandsworth are required to undergo security checks, and meetings take place under prison supervision.
Gallacher’s continued support has also reportedly worried some people close to her family, who believe she should reconsider her future following Brand’s conviction. However, there is no evidence that she organized or endorsed the new petition simply because her photograph appears on it.
Russell Brand Sentenced To More Than 10 Years For Rape And Sexual Assault
Brand was sentenced on November 9 after a jury convicted him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The offenses occurred between 2004 and 2009, when the former television presenter was becoming increasingly famous. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Bennathan strongly condemned Brand’s conduct, describing him as a “sexual predator” who had used his growing fame to exploit women. In his published sentencing remarks, the judge addressed the comedian directly.
“Your status protected you until 2023 when journalists collected and published the allegations,” he said, referring to the investigation that prompted more women to come forward.
The judge also praised the women who testified, acknowledging the difficulty of facing Brand’s defense in court. Brand has maintained that his sexual encounters were consensual. His legal team may seek to challenge the convictions, although the petition itself does not constitute a formal appeal.
Russell Brand Faces Backlash As Victims Describe Lasting Trauma
The petition controversy has also renewed attention on the women whose testimony led to Brand’s conviction. During the sentencing hearing, the court heard statements describing the lasting effects of his offenses. According to the Evening Standard, one victim described Brand as “a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behavior has impacted my life.”
She explained that his fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance that made it difficult for her to speak out. Another woman told the court that she feared the effects of the assault would “haunt me every day.”
The judge also criticized Brand’s attitude toward consent, saying he had demonstrated a “casual arrogant disregard to any woman’s right to say no to you.”
Those remarks have become particularly significant as supporters continue circulating the petition. While the campaign argues that Brand should have access to the appeals process, critics have emphasized that a jury has already found him guilty of serious sexual offenses. The petition’s organizers insist they are advocating for due process rather than interference with the legal proceedings.
“We do not call for harassment, intimidation or interference with witnesses or court proceedings,” the campaign states. “We call for peaceful advocacy, informed discussion and respect for the law.”
