Russell Brand gets political at VMAs

Pic: PA Photos

British comedian shakes things up

Sep 8, 2008
15 Comments
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Russell Brand got political at the MTV Music Video Awards tonight (September 7), endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and slamming President George Bush.

The British comedian, who had never before hosted an American awards show, shook things up with his political and sexually charged comments.

"Please elect Barack Obama on behalf of the world," he said. "Some people - I think they're called racists" may not be ready to elect a black man. It was nice of you to let that retarded cowboy have a go at it."

He congratulated the VMAs on its 25-year history, but said that tonight's show was about looking to the future.

"New music, a new president, a brand new America. You deserve it after eight years of Bush," he said.

In typical Brand fashion, he mocked the alleged virginity of teen heart throbs the Jonas Brothers, as well as the troubled upbringing of the Jacksons.

The audience seemed uncertain how to react to Brand's political comments and off-colour remarks, meeting them with quiet chuckles and tepid applause.

The full picture gallery of MTV Video Music Awards photos from the night can be seen here on NME.COM.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
Find out more about NME.

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Comments (15)

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juliastretch

Sep 8, 2008

he was political yeah, and so he should have! he was so good, they didnt know what hit them! it was fantastic. what a legend.x

BritSwedeGuy

Sep 8, 2008

Sounds like most Americans, as ever, just don't get it.

jamesheal

Sep 8, 2008

Yeah, he's really breaking new ground there....slamming Bush eh, thta takes some balls....oh hang on, it's not 2002 anymore is it.....

whatawasteoftime

Sep 8, 2008

How is this vapid dot-cotton soundalike and lookalike famous? He's not funny, he's ugly as fuck, he's intensely irritating. Ticks all the buttons for fame in 21st century britain then.

readyornot

Sep 8, 2008

Wake up America....find a clue...If the world sees whats going on , then why can we!!!!! I am glad someone had the BALLS to let people know( what is already in front of our faces) and I'm glad it was done on an awards show. Good lookin Russell.....I just hope we see the truth on election day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soundedd

Sep 8, 2008

Greatest Commedian in history, just so so so funny, and his two DVD's = Next Level

wendytime

Sep 8, 2008

While I agree w/Russell Brand's comments with respect to GW Bush, to insinuate that people not voting for Barak Obama are racist is just ridiculous and wrong. People should be encourage in voting for the candidate they feel would do the best by the US, not based on the color of the skin. Telling non-black people that not voting for Obama means that they are racist is crossing the line. Same goes for voting for McCain just because he is caucasion. As far as a non citizen telling an Amercian audience in who to vote for, I don't think you Brits would take too kindly say Chris Rock (a very brillant, politcal American comedian) would tell a British audience in who to vote for as PM. Sorry Russell...you were way out of line last night.

cancelmysubscription

Sep 8, 2008

hahaha are you joking? greatest comedian in history, he was a hell of alot funnier in his smackhead days, hes an idiot now, surfing on a scene that died a couple of years ago, clever though knowing that america would love his over-anglo idiocy, hes not funny, he makes ridiculous jokes about sex and thinks hes a revolutionary, he actually gives the phrase "revolution" a bad name. tit.

worsthostever

Sep 9, 2008

wow, WORST HOST EVER!!! And if you thought this guy was good, then you really need a reality check! First of all, bashing our president is not cool, and telling me to vote for obama, is really not cool! also, cracking jokes at the Jonas Brothers because they wear promise rings?? are you serious? i stopped watching the show because of that guy!! he wasnt funny at all and i dont like the fact that he called our president a retarded cowboy or whatever the hell he called him! this guy was way out of line and it was all uncalled for! this guy was a complete idiot, and whoever called him the best comedian ever... there are so many more out there, for example Carlos Mencia!!!

up_the_albion

Sep 9, 2008

Wendytime, did you watch the awards and listen to what he said? At no point did he accuse anyone, black or white, of being racist by not voting for Barack Obama. He did say that some people have said they do not believe a black man should be president, which IS racist. If you are going to retort to something someone has said, it is always best to actually find out exactly what they have said, rather than relying on a third party to inform you...As for him giving his opinion on the presidency candidates, I do not see how this could be inappropriate. He currently resides in the US and am sure is as aware of the various issues relating to the election as a good many Americans are. I live in the UK and follow the lead up on a daily basis, because I have a British passport does this somehow exempt me from an opinion? And that is leaving aside the undoubted fact that whoever is elected will have a massive effect not just on America but on the whole world. Also, anytime Chris Rock wants to offer me advice on who to vote for in the next British election, I would most certainly welcome his thoughts as he is, as you said, a learned, intelligent comedian.

Darcyheartsmusic

Sep 9, 2008

the vmas tend to be shit, but as a long-time russell fan i decided it watch. the main problem seemed to be that most of the audience didn't have much of a sense of humor. people got really pissed off when he started joking about the chastity rings that some of the "artists" were wearing, and one of the presenters rather angrily implied that he was a slut ( which is not a nice thing to call a sex addict). as an american, i will say that, generally, americans tend to take too much offense to jokes.

mountainskigirl

Sep 9, 2008

ok, so i never knew who russell brand was until the vma's, but i do believe that he had every right to say anything that he said. this is america people and we have freedom of speech. do we go around critisizing chris rock, ron white, margaret cho, saturday night live or any other comedian who pokes fun at our president, virgins or people being racist??? lay off the guy!! you can't tell me you've NEVER poked fun at somebody for no other reason than to better yourself. we all have. every single one of us. so don't be so critical of someones opinions. thats all they are. so retaliate. no big deal to russell brand. he could probably care less about your opinion as well. and for anyone who is even considering john mccain and tina fey, i mean sarah palin for the next 4 yrs....maybe you should really look into the issues at hand. OBAMA 2008!!!!!!!!!!

kirsten1512

Sep 9, 2008

Whoo Yeah! Russel Brand Revolution!=D

brianbry93

Sep 11, 2008

JOIN THE REVOLUTION!PIN PIN!!!Well Done Russ, Those Flip Flops Paid Off, Thanks For Insulting THe Jonas Brothers (Y)

loobyloo88

Sep 11, 2008

Its clear from everyones comments that most of america dont understand the fact that brand is just taking the micky out of the people he talked about, 'its comedy'. It was only a joke, this would have been laughed about in England and wouldnt have even been argued about. In the end this is exactly how MTV wanted it to be so that it created a stir and some conflict. Ive been watching Russell since he was in his drug days, and TRUST ME - russell brand is a great comedian and he will continue to rise in his fame, with many different film prospects upcoming.