By Sohaib Shams
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's past criticisms of British comedian Russell Brand have drawn renewed attention after Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Trump's Early Warning
In 2011, five years before his presidency, Trump posted on Twitter that while he liked Brand, he believed pop star Katy Perry had made a "big mistake" marrying him the previous year. "Let's see if I'm right---I hope not," Trump wrote. The couple divorced in 2012.
Escalating Attacks in 2014
By 2014, Trump's rhetoric intensified. He described Brand as a "major loser" and "total joke," adding that Brand's "mind is fried" and he looked "really bad." Trump also suggested Perry "must have been drunk" when she married Brand, claiming Brand had sent him an apology letter. Brand retorted by questioning Trump's sobriety and mocking his hair product.
Brand's Later Support for Trump
In recent years, Brand appeared to align himself with Trump. In June, he stated his support was based on opposing a "globalist, imperialist threat," calling Trump an "incredible bulwark." He also praised Trump's "personal confidence and swagger" after the president renamed artificial intelligence to "super intelligence" in September.
Trial Verdict and Sentencing
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three sexual assaults following a four-week trial. The jury cleared him of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Judge Mr Justice Bennathan ordered Brand remanded into custody until sentencing on Monday, when he faces a lengthy prison term. Perry was not called as a witness during the investigation or trial.
