A spokesperson for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stated on Thursday, November 12, 2026, that the politician regrets appearing on a podcast hosted by Russell Brand. The statement followed the sentencing of Brand on Monday, November 9, 2026, to 10-and-a-half years in prison for raping a fan and sexually assaulting three media workers.
The appearance occurred in July 2024, approximately nine months after police began investigating Brand for sexual assault allegations and months after those allegations were made public. Brand was later charged in April 2025. According to a party spokesperson, the interview was not planned and occurred when Farage was asked into a room without notice while visiting the United States.
During the July 2024 podcast, Farage sat with Brand, Dan Bongino, and Charlie Kirk. The participants discussed taking on "the establishment," and Farage suggested Western actions had provoked the war in Ukraine. In a previous 2023 discussion on GB News regarding the initial allegations against Brand, Farage had described the comedian as "coarse" and "rude" but stated at that time that "no evidence" had been produced and it was "not for me to judge."
Farage's spokesperson stated the leader's thoughts are now with the victims. No further appearances are currently scheduled.