Russell Brand is a love him or hate him kind of personality. He’s so manic and over the top that he’s too much for many to handle, but he fascinates me. His latest interest though, I can’t say the same about.

Brand has recently taken a keen interest in competitive “air sex.” Yes, it is the kinky cousin to “air guitar,” and just like the world-wide competitions where less than desirable people pretend they’re guitar experts, the Japanese have competitions where less than desirable men pretend they’re sexperts.

The British comic has taken to the Japanese craze which sees fully clothed men simulating sex with an imaginary partner, often in an exaggerated way, and in competitions.

Russell, 33, has apparently been introduced to this practice by his yoga teacher friend Kazuko Burt, who told Britain’s Daily Star newspaper: “Russell’s been watching YouTube clips of air sex competitions, in which contestants perform the act to music, like air guitar for perverts. And he has been practicing with a variety of invisible partners to music by The Smiths.

He added: “Russell is desperate to meet the activity’s creator, J-Taro Sugisaku and the reigning world champion, who goes by the name Cobra.

“And he’s fascinated by the fact that J-Taro invented it because he couldn’t get a girlfriend. This is all great material for his stand up shows.”

[From Female First]

Lessons from the loser in love department inventor of musically simulated sex with air, I think this is an endeavor where, in Brand’s case, the student can become the master. I can picture Russell being pretty good at the new sport without much instruction. And I would probably pay to see it.

The World Air Sex Championships are coming up in Tokyo. I’ve seen how seriously some of the air guitar people take their competitions. If the air sex people take their competition as seriously, that could get… messy.

Here’s an intro to air sex. It is really NSFW or around kids.

Russell Brand is shown running errands in LA on 11/18/08. Credit: Bauergriffin

Russell Brand has finally crossed the line. Brand and TV presenter Jonathan Ross made four phone calls to Fawlty Towers’ star Andrew Sachs’ answering machine on a Radio 2 broadcast that got more and more offensive as they progressed. It began with Ross blurting out that Brand had slept with Sachs’ granddaughter, Satanic Sluts’ performer Georgina Baillie, 23, and continued with repeated calls to apologize that went in completely the opposite direction. Ofcom, the watchdog of British broadcasting, has received over 10,000 complaints, which is an extraordinary number for a radio show.

The BBC, which produces the show, is in danger of being fined £250,000 for allowing the show to air. There’s been a public demand for the firing of Jonathan Ross, who earns £6million a year from the BBC for his various hosting duties.

I’ve listened to the entire broadcast, which can be found below, and even as a Brand fan there were a number of times I cringed. My first inclination was to think that Jonathan Ross was peer pressured into this lapse in judgement, but after hearing it out, it simply appears that these two dumbasses shouldn’t be anywhere near a mic, or other people for that matter, when they’re together. It was like listening to high school boys egg each other on.

So, it was offensive, they more than crossed the line many times, and they embarrassed and humiliated a gentleman and his not so genteel granddaughter, and disciplinary action should be taken by the BBC, Ofcom, the listening public, whomever. But seriously, doesn’t the Prime Minister have more important things to do?

Mr Brown startled observers by breaking into an emergency economic meeting with French president Nicolas Sarkozy to comment on the BBC scandal.

He said in a statement: ‘This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised.’

Tory leader David Cameron asked how the BBC had ever allowed the programme to be broadcast. In the Commons, Tory MP Nigel Evans and Labour’s Andrew Mackinlay tabled an early-day motion condemning the abusive calls as ‘base, vulgar’ and likely to diminish the reputation of the BBC.

Mr Evans suggested that the police should launch an investigation. ‘I would sack both comedians,’ he said. ‘Who do they have to offend, and in what manner do they have to offend people, before the BBC takes action?’

Scotland Yard said later it could not act unless it received a complaint from an injured party.
In an act of belated contrition, both Ross and Brand sent flowers to Mr Sachs’s house. Ross was said to have delivered them personally.

[From Daily Mail]

It’s hard for me to imagine President Bush, or any President, stopping an economic meeting of all things, at this worldwide financially threatening time, to comment on the shenanigans of a couple of morons on the radio! And a motion in the Commons condemning the pair and calling on Scotland Yard? The silliest part of this political inclusion is that Gordon Brown is making them both even more famous, across the globe, than they ever were before. Jonathan Ross is thanking all of you in his head, and Russell Brand, well, he probably still doesn’t see the problem.

Andrew Sachs has been quietly dignified through this, saying that he only wanted an apology from the duo for his granddaughter. His granndaughter, Georgina Baillie, also know as Voluptua of the burlesque group the Satanic Sluts, had admitted to a sexual relationship, but has rightly asked for an apology for the disrespect shown to both her and her grandfather.

Here’s the video, which is definitely not for work.

Header image thanks to Telegraph.co.uk.

People seem to either love Russell Brand or hate him. There are a few people who are on the fence about him, but not many. And with the people who hate him, there seems to be those who hate him, and those who really hate him.

Brand was the controversial host of this years MTV Video Music Awards, and said some things that some people took just a touch more seriously than Russell meant them. In an interview on BBC1 radio, Brand admitted to receiving death threats after the broadcast. And in typical Russell Brand style, he amuses himself by goading the would-be assassins further.

The British comic star sparked controversy with a series of risque jokes - including calling US President George W. Bush a “retarded cowboy” and likening Britney Spears to a “female Christ” - at the event, and has revealed some people were so furious they wanted to kill him.

He said: “The VMAs were a lot of fun. Especially the death threats. If you are going to kill someone, don’t give them advance notice, which gives you a chance to prepare.

“These Christian Republicans were watching me and thought, ‘Well, this is no good, I shall do a death threat.’ ”

He added to BBC Radio 1: “How can you, while watching the TV, think, ‘Oh I don’t enjoy this, no I’m not enjoying this at all,’ then think, ‘Right I’m going to kill him?’ That’s a huge jump.”

[From FemaleFirst]

I admit I’m a lover not a hater, but love him or lump him, he has a point. Death threats are hardly the right course of action for disagreeing with a comedian, no matter how bad you think he is. I also think purity rings should mean a little more than keeping your virginity, they should apply to all the Commandments and you shouldn’t steal, covet, dishonor thy mother or father, and pretty much refrain from thinking about murdering someone.

Russell Brand is shown at a photocall for his book ‘Articles of Faith’ held at Prince Charles Cinema in London, England on 10/22/08. Credit: WENN

British commedian Russell Brand is getting ready to start filming an adaptation of The Tempest with Helen Mirren, and he’s very excited about it. Brand, who likes the ladies, has announced his desire to get into Mirren’s garb during shooting.

Russ will star alongside Dame Helen, who won an Oscar for her royal role, in a new film version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Rampant Russell, set to play jester Trinculo, confessed his saucy plan to us at our Pride of Britain Awards.

He said of Helen, infamous for getting her kit off for the camera: “She is so hot. There’s something about her that drives me wild.

“She’s so sexy and enchanting, just look at her form.

“They’re going to have to hold me back when we start work. I’ll be all over her. I don’t know how I’ll get any work done.”

[From The Mirror]

Russell Brand is a randy chap. He’s admitted to sex addiction, and has hooked up with women he’s worked with a number of times He made Britney Spears giggle like a school girl in their promos for the MTV Awards with his overt flirting, but Dame Helen Mirren is no Britney Spears and he’s got her giggling, too.

The 63-year-old actress was flattered by Russell’s recent flirtatious praise for her and has returned the compliment.

She said: “I heard he fancies me. I fancy Russell too.

“I mean, who can resist a man who looks so good in tight trousers. He’s absolutely lovely.”

[From FemaleFirst]

According to Mirren, she’s used to the attention, though. She says she has admirers all the time, and that they keep getting younger. I don’t doubt it, the woman is unbelievable in a bikini and she’s 63-years old, she’s the quintessential Mrs. Robinson for a couple generations of men. Dame Helen has been with director Taylor Hackford for more than 20 years, married for 11 of them, and I’ve never heard any rumors of affairs. She’s even worked with Jeremy Irons, I know that would push the limits of my marriage vows.

Russell’s got his work cut out for him, but something tells me he’s a persistent guy and will keep trying. Mirren will be counting the days until the movie wraps just to get away from him. If you’re not into it, Brand’s intensity could wear thin if he was directing it straight toward you. I’d like to think he’s more professional than that, but I get the feeling I’d be disappionted. He seems to like making people just a little uncomfortable with his sexuality, too. Helen may soon come to regret confessing that she finds Russell’s skinny jeans irresistible.

Helen Mirren is shown at the ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards in London on 10/3/08.Credit: Vince Maher / WENN. Russel Brand is shown with drag queens at the ‘End of Summer Ball’ charity event in Berkeley Square in London on 9/25/08. Credit: Gabor Scott /WENN. Header image of Russell from the MTV VMAs on 9/7/08. Credit: Bob Charlotte/PRPhotos.

Johnny Depp is reason enough for many people to look forward to a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  He’s classic as Captain Jack Sparrow and men, women and children will sit through a barely adequate script just to watch Depp become the charismatic pirate.  Now rumor has it there may be two more reasons to anticipate the upcoming Pirates movie.  Jack may have a brother, and Tim Burton may be directing!

Our proven informant (who we’re forced to keep anonymous) wants you to know the following info should be taken with a “grain of salt and a dose of pepper,” things are still in motion, but here goes anyway. Wondering how they’re going to make a whole Pirates movie with just Jack Sparrow? Or who else might return? Read on!

Most excitingly, there are talks of Captain Jack having a brother in the next movie, possibly to be played by Sacha Baron Cohen (perfect!) or Russell Brand (even more perfect!) Of course, that’s probably just fantasy casting, but why would either of those comedians turn the role down? As we’ve mentioned before, the new movie might kick off a trilogy, which would revolve around Captain Jack’s search for the Fountain of Youth.

Geoffrey Rush and director Gore Verbinski are apparently both planning to return, but… and this is a big maybe… Tim Burton might direct instead. Tim Burton! If there is a single director who could make people excited for a fourth Pirates movie, it has to be Burton.

[From CinemaBlend.com]

Russell Brand and Johnny Depp could be magic.  They have a general resemblance, especially with the eye makeup.  They’re both fearless and could certainly dial up the comedy playing off each other.  My personal preference would definitely be Brand over Sacha Baron Cohen.  It goes without saying that Geoffrey Rush is essential to any sequel, but it might be time for Verbinski to consider other projects and let new blood take over the Pirates franchise.  I think most people agree that the movies’ magnetic charm has weakened as the series has progressed.

Depp and Burton have proven time and time again how well they work together.  Tim Burton is a prolific hit movie maker and has capably handled everything from stop-motion animation to musicals.  He brings a depth of color and scenery to his movies that would serve him well in a Pirates movie, too.  If anyone could make a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie truely interesting again, beyond Depp and Rush, it’s Burton.

Header photo is of Burton and Depp at the Sweeney Todd premiere in Paris on 1/16/08. Credit: Solarpix / PR Photos. Photos below are of Burton on 1/23/08 speaking to fans in Rome Credit: Insidefoto / PR Photos

Britney Spears may be trying to get publicity for more than just being a good girl and getting her life together. The Sun thinks that Britney went on a date with British comedian Russell Brand – and she very well may have. The two were spotted at the same restaurant on the same night at the same time – but of course came and left separately, so there’s no way to know.

RUSSELL BRAND in the same restaurant as BRITNEY SPEARS, only days after their serious flirting at the VMAs - with his reputation?

The comedian just happened to be having dinner in the same restaurant, on the same night as the pop princess. Russell and Britney were snapped leaving The Little Door Restaurant in LA - separately of course.

Britney is on the comeback trail and a little fling with the man of the moment in America would thrust her right back into the limelight. She has been dating her bodyguard Lee, a former Israeli soldier, so Russell should tread carefully.

And Russell is back on the prowl after telling snappers earlier in the evening that he was ‘footloose and fancy free’ after ending his three month relationship with gorgeous Australian actress TERESA PALMER.

Russ and Brit certainly hit it off at the weekend. Stranger things have happened…

[From the Sun]

It’s cute that they think Russell Brand is “the man of the moment in America.” I think he’s just “less unknown than he used to be in America.” Of course that doesn’t sound quite so sexy and likely to entice Britney. But I don’t think they’re being misinformed about Russell’s popularity means that they’re misinformed about everything. Brand is edgy without being a blatant risk in terms of Brit’s reputation – which I think she probably takes pretty seriously now, considering how hard she’s worked the last few months. And while it’d be an odd and rather humorous pairing, I doubt it’d damage her popularity like K-Fed or paparazzo Adnan Ghalib.

I think it’d be best if she stayed away from guys and just focused on her kids and career for a while. But rarely does Britney do what I ask. And Brand seems like an okay choice for her – nothing spectacular either way.

Photos from the VMAs on Sunday. Images thanks to PR Photos and WENN.

The staff over at the Daily Mail and The Sun have gotten themselves all worked up over Russell Brand’s opening monologue for last night’s Video Music Awards. Apparently it was quite offensive to British audiences, which I found especially shocking. I would think they’d have the best chance of appreciating Brand’s “unique” type of humor.

Apparently Brand’s labeling George Bush a “retarded cowboy” was the major sticking point.

Russell Brand faces being blacklisted by the American media after causing outrage with a string of offensive jokes at the live MTV Video Music Awards. The Essex-born comedian labelled President George Bush a ‘retard’, called Britney Spears ‘the female Christ’ and poked fun at young virgins.

He began his opening monologue by saying: ‘Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world. Some people, I think they’re called racists, say America is not ready for a black president. ‘But I know America to be a forward-thinking country because otherwise why would you have let that retard and cowboy fella be president for eight years?’

He added: ‘We thought it was nice of you to let him have a go, because in England he wouldn’t be trusted with a pair of scissors.’

[From the Daily Mail]

I watched Brand’s opening monologue a few times and have to say that while I didn’t find it to be spectacularly funny, it wasn’t especially offensive either. People have been complaining about that particular use of the word “retarded” for a long time now. And while I agree it’s inappropriate, it’s clearly a part of the lexicon, like it or not. Nothing about an edgy comedian using it is particularly shocking. It’s quite simply a matter of taste, and no one can be surprised that a comedian like Brand doesn’t have much. He wasn’t hired by MTV because of his class. People can go ahead and complain about the word as much as they want – I abhor it. But it’s been used that way for long enough that I feel confident it’s a waste of time. And the more attention they give to it, the longer it stays relevant.

The joke itself was pretty stupid. There was just nothing funny, unusual, or interesting about it. Celebitchy complained that she laughed once during the whole thing. I counted, and I laughed a solid five times. Normally I’d still consider that a miserable failure, but compared to one chuckle I guess that’s pretty good.

I did like Brand’s whole riff on Bristol Palin’s boyfriend Levi Johnston. He joked that a lot fewer kids would be having premarital sex if they all had to go to the Republican National Convention as punishment. And made some joke about how from now on Johnston would be so careful he’d use a condom even when her masturbated. And would then take the condom and bury it just to be safe. I think four of my five laughs came during that whole idea. And I think sending kids to the Republican National Convention should become a new form of punishment. Everyone would behave a lot better.

Here’s Brand’s monologue. I’m especially interested to hear how many of our readers though it was actually funny.

After MTV VMA host Russell Brand poked fun at the Jonas Brothers for their purity rings, American Idol winner and VMA nominee Jordin Sparks, who apparently also wears one of these rings, defended them. Brand pointed out that the three brothers could probably have sex with any woman they wanted right now, but choose not to. He also joked that his goal was to have sex with all three of them by the end of the night. Jordin didn’t think that was funny.

Before presenting an award with John Legend, she said: “I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It’s not bad to wear a promise ring. Because not everybody – guy or girl – wants to be a slut.”

[From D-listed]

I didn’t think anything Russell Brand said was funny - but he wasn’t offensive, either. I think it’s silly that so many of these young stars tout their virginity in the first place. It’s not really anyone’s business, and half the time it turns out to be a joke anyway. Remember Britney’s virginity pledge? And does anyone really believe that Miley Cyrus is a virgin? Please. Still, it’s cool that young people like Jordin are choosing not to sleep around and act like total hobags, like Paris and Lindsay have done. But when you go on record claiming that you’re a virgin and wear special rings, you’d better be willing to walk the talk or you look like a joke. Right, Bristol Palin?

Picture note by Celebitchy: Here are Jordin Sparks and The Jonas Brothers at the VMAs last night. Credit: Juan Rico/Fame Pictures. I also included a screenshot from purityrings.com, which I just found by a search, because I was interested in seeing what the rings look like.

“Bestriding the British TV industry like a leggy goth King Charles spaniel on heat” (via Startrip.tv) nothing can stop the madcap genius of Brit Comedy sensation Russell Brand. Having worked his way precipitously through the shag-ready ranks of A,B, C and D level British Babes including Kate Moss, Sadie Frost, Kimberly Stewart and Abi Titmuss (famous for nothing in England –but should be famous everywhere just for that name) as well as any female who’s been on Big Brother UK — he’s the mad-haired, fey, boho lothario of the British moment. He’s a bit of a lad, a right womaniser and saucy tales of his bedroom antics are daily fare in the always estimable London tabloids. All we can say (since you ask) … if you meet the legendary ladies’ man… Don’t shake him by the thumb.

Fresh from his double entendre appearance on the cover of Backdoor Living — Russell has been tapped to host the live broadcast of this years Brit Awards ‘I will do my level best to tear it up,” says RB. “Once it starts it is all in my hands. It it is going to be like the rock and roll Brits of old, returned to the controlled mayhem and danger. I am going to be the ringleader at this carnival of mayhem and I’m really looking forward to it.’ ” Like we said … stay away from his thumbs … unless you are into that sort of thing … then welcome to the digital age. We wish you all opposable joy!