Donald Trump Jr., currently living in Florida, is facing backlash after defending Russell Brand following the British comedian’s conviction for sexual assault, suggesting that his embrace of religion and conservative politics may have played a role in his prosecution. Critics took notice of Trump Jr.’s public defense, however, and came up with some scathing comparisons
The 48-year-old son of President Donald Trump shared a video on Tuesday, November 10, criticizing the 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence handed to Brand, 51, and questioning the evidence presented during his trial.
“He was convicted, by the way, with no forensic evidence, no DNA, no police report from the time,” Trump Jr. said, referring to allegations dating back to 1999. He also questioned why Brand had not faced similar accusations publicly during his previous marriage to pop star Katy Perry and his years as a high-profile entertainer.
Trump Jr. then suggested the comedian’s religious conversion and political shift could explain why he was prosecuted. “He finds God, I guess, changes his ways, sees some aspects of conservative life, and talks about them, and now he’s going to spend 10-and-a-half years imprisoned for rape, when no one had a problem with it in the prior 27 years,” he said.
Trump Jr. Joins Growing List of Conservatives Defending Brand
Trump Jr.’s intervention has drawn online criticism, with social users questioning why prominent political figures are rushing to defend Brand after his conviction. A jury at Southwark Crown Court found the comedian guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Meanwhile, London police confirmed they were reviewing fresh reports from additional individuals who came forward during and after the trial.
Trump Jr. is not alone in questioning the outcome. Megyn Kelly described the prosecution as a “political witch hunt” and called the sentence “insane” on Monday’s episode of The Megyn Kelly Show. Elon Musk also criticized the punishment, describing it as “unjust” on X. However, critics were considerably less sympathetic toward Brand and his defenders.
“Imagine being the sort of person that defends convicted rapists,” one user wrote. Another questioned the political loyalty behind Trump Jr.’s intervention, commenting, “Conservatives literally view justice as something they wield against their enemies.” Others suggested Brand’s conservative identity was relatively recent, with one commenter arguing that he had previously been “one of the most liberal dudes alive.”
The criticism extended to Trump Jr. personally, with one social media user writing, “It’s going out of your way to make a video and post it because you feel like your priority for the day is defending a rapist you just read about in the news.” Perhaps the most widely echoed sentiment came from another commenter who simply wrote: “Birds of a feather stick together.”
