The BBC has removed a reference to Russell Brand from an original episode of Gavin & Stacey following the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
The joke, which appeared in the 2008 Christmas special, has been edited out of the episode available on BBC iPlayer.
The original scene features Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, returning to the Christmas dinner table at Pam and Mick’s house after putting her son, Neil the Baby, to bed.
When Pam asks whether she has been reading him a fairytale, Nessa replies that she has been reading Brand’s autobiography, My Booky Wook, adding that he has been “loving every word”.
Stacey then asks whether she and Nessa are both mentioned in the memoir.
Nessa tells her they are not, prompting Stacey to respond: “That’s a shame. I’m quite disappointed, are you?”
Nessa replies: “Don’t be, Stace. We had a cracking night, Pam. All three of us.”
The reference has now been removed from the version of the Christmas special available on the BBC’s streaming platform.
Brand Jailed For More Than Ten Years
The editing decision comes after Brand, 51, was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison following his conviction for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
The offences took place between 2004 and 2009.
The comedian was told by Mr Justice Bennathan that he would serve at least seven years of his sentence for the attacks on the four women.
During sentencing, the judge accused Brand of using his celebrity status to prey on women and believing that his fame allowed him to behave as he pleased.
Addressing the defendant, he said: “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.”
The judge also criticised what he described as Brand’s “staggering arrogance” and his belief that his public status protected him from consequences.
Police Investigating Further Allegations
Meanwhile, detectives investigating Brand have confirmed that several additional people have contacted the police with information since his trial.
The Metropolitan Police said two further rape allegations were already under investigation following his conviction.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has also indicated that he expects more potential victims to come forward.
A police spokesperson said: “Several people have contacted the investigation team during and since the trial to provide information or report a potential criminal allegation.
“Detectives are assessing this information as part of their ongoing enquiries.”
Prosecutors are expected to decide within weeks whether Brand should face further charges relating to two alleged rapes, including an accusation involving a 16-year-old.
Jemima Goldsmith Makes Public Allegations
Brand’s former girlfriend Jemima Goldsmith, 52, has also become the latest woman to publicly speak about her experiences with the comedian.
She accused him of violence, coercive control and abuse.
Goldsmith reportedly said she was left so frightened following an alleged violent incident in 2014 that she contacted the police to have Brand removed from her £15million Cotswolds mansion.
Her allegations emerged as further scrutiny continued over Brand’s past relationships and behaviour.
Judge Condemns Brand’s Attitude Towards Women
During the sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised Brand’s attitude towards women and his apparent disregard for their right to refuse sexual advances.
The judge said Brand had demonstrated a “casual arrogant disregard to any woman’s right to say no to you”.
He also addressed arguments made during the defence case that questioned the credibility of the women based on their reactions during the alleged assaults.
The judge rejected such stereotypes, stressing that a woman’s clothing, location or alcohol consumption did not remove her right to withhold consent.
He said: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent.”
He also praised the determination and bravery of the four women who gave evidence against Brand.
The judge said the victims had been subjected to accusations that they had lied, distorted the truth or consented to his sexual demands.
He added that such treatment had happened because of Brand and his instructions.
Judge Criticises Brand’s Entourage
The sentencing judge also criticised people within Brand’s circle for failing to challenge his behaviour.
According to the judge, some of the assaults took place in front of members of Brand’s entourage, who either laughed or did nothing.
He described their response as an example of people indulging what he called “dreadful behaviour”.
Brand was also criticised for attempting to smear journalists after allegations about his conduct were first publicly exposed in 2023.
Brand’s Defence Barrister Faces Investigation
Brand’s defence barrister, Ian Winter KC, is reportedly facing a Bar Standards Board investigation following his conduct after the verdict.
Legal sources told the Daily Mail that Winter was paid approximately £1million for defending the comedian.
It was also reported that several senior female barristers had declined to take on Brand’s defence before Winter was appointed.
Following the conviction, Winter allegedly directed an expletive-filled remark at the journalist whose investigation helped expose the allegations against Brand, telling her that she had “f*****” justice.
The incident has prompted scrutiny from the legal regulator.
Brand showed little emotion during his sentencing hearing.
His wife, Laura Gallacher, was present at Southwark Crown Court and was seen mouthing “I love you” to him as he was taken down to the cells.
