Radio presenter Jo Whiley has revealed that a message comedian Russell Brand once wrote in her autograph book now makes her uncomfortable following his conviction for rape and sexual assault.
Whiley, 61, discussed the incident alongside fellow broadcaster Zoe Ball, 55, on their Dig It podcast on Thursday, as they reflected on Brand’s conviction for offences against four women.
The presenter disclosed that Brand had signed her show book during a previous appearance on her radio programme, describing her as a MILF, an acronym meaning “Mother I’d Like to F***”.
Recalling the message, Whiley said: “I’ve got a show book that people sign when they come on the show and I’ve got a signature from Russell.
“It’s got the word, he just refers to me as a MILF and I feel like I keep looking at the bookshelf. It’s like it’s burning a hole in my bookshelf at the moment.
“I’m sitting in the living room like those words are there. I’m going to have to tear the page out and burn it.
I really am because it just makes me shudder but that was what you expected I think when you met him.”
Jo Whiley Says She Cried Following Brand’s Conviction
Whiley also revealed that she became emotional when she learned that Brand had been found guilty, saying she cried alongside her 18-year-old daughter, Coco.
Describing the announcement as a significant moment, the broadcaster said it had prompted an overwhelming response from women who had experienced abuse.
“It just felt seismic,” she said. “It felt extraordinarily important and there seems to have been since then this lament from women. I’ve just seen it over and over again and I cried.”
She explained that her reaction was not limited to the four women involved in the case but extended to other survivors of sexual and domestic abuse.
“It’s for every woman who’s ever been at the hands of somebody who’s abused them whether it’s sexual or domestic,” Whiley added.
She further highlighted what she described as a widespread sense of empathy among women and men, particularly regarding the lasting effects of abusive behaviour across generations.
Zoe Ball Describes Trial as Harrowing
Ball also spoke about the emotional impact of the case, describing the trial as deeply distressing.
The broadcaster said there had been a collective feeling of horror and upset surrounding the proceedings, followed by relief after the verdict.
She said: “I found it so harrowing. I think everybody has, I think it’s been a real sort of collective feeling of you know horror and upset and then ultimately I guess relief that finally something has something big has happened that you hope is going to help women.”
Ball also drew attention to the experiences of the four women during the trial, particularly the questioning they faced from the defence.
She said the details of what the women had to endure throughout the proceedings had been especially difficult to hear.
Russell Brand Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison
Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being convicted of offences committed between 2004 and 2009, when he was at the height of his fame.
The comedian was found guilty on November 5 following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.
A jury convicted him of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women.
However, he was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan criticised Brand’s conduct, describing his arrogance as staggering.
The judge said Brand’s increasing fame had been accompanied by an apparent belief that he could behave as he pleased.
Brand’s Family Affected by Prison Sentence
Brand’s wife, Laura, was present in court when the comedian was sentenced.
During the proceedings, the judge acknowledged the impact his imprisonment would have on his family, particularly their children, who would be without their father’s presence.
However, he told Brand that the consequences for his family resulted from his own serious offending.
Brand will be required to serve two-thirds of his sentence before becoming eligible for release.
He will also remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Police Continue Investigating Further Allegations
Despite the conclusion of the trial, Brand remains under police investigation over two additional allegations of rape.
The latest developments follow his conviction for offences involving four women and the subsequent prison sentence handed down by the court.
