Jimmy Carr sparks backlash with Russell Brand joke to promote tour

Jimmy Carr has faced criticism online after using a joke about Russell Brand in a clip promoting his forthcoming tour, Killing Jokes, which is scheduled to travel across the UK and US in 2027.

Carr posted the video to X shortly after 3.30pm on Monday, 9 November. The clip shows him responding to a heckler who asks what he thinks of Brand. Carr jokes that Brand is facing prison for something he did not do — getting consent — and that Brand’s views on sex and consent may change in the coming week.

Brand was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women.

Some social media users objected to Carr’s decision to promote a tour alongside the joke. One response suggested his attitude towards Brand had changed, while another condemned using the case to sell tickets. Other reactions were supportive: one user praised the joke and Carr’s ability to respond quickly to a heckler.

The court heard that one woman was raped by Brand in 2009, when she was 21, at his London home. The convictions also covered sexual assaults involving three other women. Brand, 51, is a former television presenter.

The case followed a joint investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Sunday Times and The Times. During sentencing, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised Brand’s arrogance. The judge said Brand had become famous about 20 years earlier and was regarded by many as clever, funny and charismatic, before concluding that he had also become a sexual predator.

Carr’s new show is due to tour in 2027.

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