On Friday, just shy of a year since Russell Brand was baptized in the River Thames, the UK’s Metropolitan Police charged the British comedian-turned-MAGA-influencer with one count of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent exposure. The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2005, and were reported by four different women. This shocking development has left many questioning how a figure who recently rebranded himself as a right-wing Christian influencer could face such serious allegations.
Brand’s Transformation and Reaction
At the time of his 2024 conversion, Brand declared that he had repented of his past and that he would “acknowledge that I am in a battle against myself.” A few days before the charges, he told Sean Hannity of Fox News that he had “surrendered to a higher purpose.” However, Brand reacted to the charges by rejecting accountability and instead denying the allegations with outlandish conspiracy theories. In a video posted to X, Brand thanked his fans for their support, criticized the British government and legal system, and insisted that he was never a rapist.
Conspiracy Theories and Support from MAGA Fans
Brand claimed that the charges were part of a corrupt conspiracy to frame him. He said, “We are very fortunate, in a way, to live in a time when there’s so little trust in the British government.” His new MAGA audience has not doubted him, instead encouraging the conspiracy theory that he is a political prisoner. Fans have expressed support, saying things like, “We know you’re innocent, Russell and this is clearly all politically motivated.”
Evidence and Accusations Against Brand
The charges against Brand are based on extensive evidence. A collaboration between The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 produced documented allegations of rape and sexual abuse. They spoke with hundreds of sources, including four accusers, and collected medical records, texts, emails, and internal documents. The report, which came out in September 2023, led to Brand being kicked off YouTube. He then joined the MAGA-affiliated Rumble network and moved to the U.S., where he got baptized and rebranded himself as a right-wing Christian influencer.
The Disturbing Twist of MAGA Christianity
Religion professor Bradley Onishi noted that there is a long history of evangelicals trying to find mainstream legitimacy by claiming celebrities as their own. Brand represents a disturbing twist: right-wing Christians are willing to support him despite the serious allegations. Many of his supporters avoid engaging with the actual accusations, instead focusing on conspiracy theories.
The Era of Trumpian Christianity
Brand is part of a trend of celebrities who have turned to MAGA Christianity after scandals. Roseanne Barr, Tucker Carlson, Kat Von D, and Mark Wahlberg are other examples. In the era of Trumpian Christianity, repentance is often skipped in favor of redemption. Trump himself is treated as a savior figure by the religious right, despite never apologizing for his wrongdoings. This makes MAGA Christianity an attractive option for those seeking a new image.
