Megyn Kelly and Elon Musk claim Russell Brand’s trial was rigged against him: ‘A political witch hunt’
“I don't believe the charges."
The legal fallout from Russell Brand’s recent conviction continues to spark intense debate, with high-profile figures like Megyn Kelly and Elon Musk publicly questioning the integrity of the trial. Russell Brand received a sentence of 10 years and six months in prison on Monday, November 9, 2026, after a jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
While the judicial process concluded with a significant prison term, Kelly and Musk have emerged as vocal critics, suggesting the proceedings were influenced by external factors rather than just the evidence presented. According to Complex, Kelly has been particularly outspoken, labeling the entire legal action a ‘political witch hunt’. She rejected the jury’s findings shortly after the verdict was announced on November 5, 2026.
During a YouTube livestream, Kelly stated, “I don’t believe the charges. And I don’t have to believe them just because the jury came through with the opposite conclusion.”
Kelly later doubled down on her stance
During an episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, she expressed indignation over what she perceives as the targeting of a conservative voice. She argued that the judge, Joel Bennathan, displayed bias during the sentencing phase. “This is an outrage,” Kelly said. “This is an obvious double standard. And if you needed any further proof that this is a political witch hunt against Russell Brand, that judge just gave it to us.”
Kelly also dismissed the testimony of the accusers, characterizing the incidents described as minor interactions. On her show, she remarked, “Good Lord. 10 and a half years in prison. He grabbed a b***. He kissed a lady.” She continued, “He sniffed a lady. And he had backdoor s** with a woman who l***** his backdoor before she was even introduced to him.” She described the outcome as insane and suggested that the legal system applied a double standard to the former comedian.
This reaction is notable given Kelly’s own history regarding sexual harassment. According to Entertainment Weekly, in her 2016 memoir, Settle for More, she detailed her experience with former Fox News founder Roger Ailes, claiming he made inappropriate comments and attempted to grab and kiss her.
Musk focused his criticism on the legal standards applied to the case
Responding to an X post that compared Brand’s situation to that of another convicted sex offender, Sajid Mahmood Khan, Elon Musk described the situation as “Unjust”. IB Times reports that Khan, who was involved in historic sexual offenses against teenage girls, received a three-year sentence for rape in January 2025. By calling the comparison unjust, Musk highlighted what he views as a discrepancy in sentencing, though he did not provide further context for his assessment.
Before the sentencing hearing concluded, Musk also criticized the prosecution of offenses dating back nearly two decades, stating, “This is a crazy legal standard.” It is important to note that England does not have a statute of limitations for rape or sexual assault, allowing cases to proceed regardless of how much time has passed.
The judge, Joel Bennathan, offered a starkly different perspective during the sentencing. He addressed Brand directly, telling the 51-year-old, “You had also become a sexual predator.” Bennathan criticized the series of lies Brand told throughout the four-week trial and condemned what he called the casual, arrogant disregard of any woman’s right to say no.
The trial involved testimony from six different accusers regarding incidents that took place between 1999 and 2009. One victim noted in her impact statement that she felt visibly sick watching Brand, while another described him laughing after mauling her during an alleged assault at a radio station in 2005.
Brand’s father believes his son is the victim
Brand, who had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Following the sentencing, his father, Ron Brand, rejected the verdict and questioned the justice system, referring to his son as the victim.
The trial was the result of a 2023 investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches. As the legal proceedings conclude, police are reportedly investigating two additional rape allegations against Brand. The judge sentenced Brand to nine years for the rape conviction, with an additional 18 months for the sexual assaults to run consecutively. Additionally, Brand will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
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