Outrage as ‘Free Russell Brand’ petition shared from convicted rapist’s X account

A petition calling for Russell Brand to be freed from prison has been shared from the convicted rapist’s X account, prompting a wave of criticism online.The petition, which calls for the former comedian’s release, was posted on Brand’s profile on Thursday afternoon (November 12), alongside the hashtag “#FreeRussellBrand”.The post had attracted hundreds of comments, with several users condemning the appeal.One user, posting under the name Sh3lby, wrote: “We don't free rapists”.Another commented: “You’ve got to be joking? This is embarrassing as f***! Imagine even bothering to keep up this pretence. HE IS A CONVICTED RAPIST!”It remains unclear who authored the post on Brand’s X account.The move comes days after Brand was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for rape and sexual assault.The 51-year-old was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his rise to fame as a television and radio presenter.The 51-year-old was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three othersPA WireHe showed no emotion as he was handed his sentence at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, but reportedly told his wife, Laura Gallacher, “we’ll be OK” before being taken down to the cells.Brand had spent four nights in custody before his sentencing hearing, during which his barrister, Ian Winter KC, argued that his offences were linked to the level of fame he was acquiring.The court heard powerful victim impact statements from the women, one of whom described Brand as “a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life”.She said his fame, wealth and influence had created a power imbalance which left her feeling unable to speak out.Another victim said she feared the impact of the sexual assault would “haunt me every day”.Mr Justice Bennathan criticised Brand’s “staggering arrogance”PAThe case has also prompted renewed calls for changes to the way rape and sexual assault cases are handled by the justice system.Read MorePrime Minister Andy Burnham praised the women who came forward and said their bravery could lead to wider improvements in support for victims.Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly preparing to summon media and entertainment industry bosses, with the Government keen to ensure the case marks a turning point in how allegations of misconduct are handled.Sentencing Brand, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised his “staggering arrogance” and said he had become a sexual predator during his rise to fame.The judge said Brand had shown a “casual arrogant disregard to any woman’s right to say no to you”.Brand is expected to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence. He will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999