Russell Brand Upsets Yanks
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.
Brand, 33, who was hosting the ceremony live, had already been forbidden by MTV bosses to mention the C-word or, more bizarrely, Scientology.
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.'
Onlookers caught sight of Britney Spears sitting straight-faced in the audience and refusing to clap.
Brand also hailed the ceremony as the 'launch of a very new Britney Spears era'.
He added: 'Consider this the resurrection of Britney Spears. If there was a female Christ, it's Britney.'
Brand, who is relatively unknown to the American public, then decided it would be funny to poke fun at the country's views on virginity.
He repeatedly joked about the decision taken by teen sensation the Jonas Brothers to wear purity rings as a symbol of their vow to not have premarital sex.
At one point he shamelessly brandished a ring as if he was given it by a Jonas Brother.
But he was forced to apologise after American Idol winner Jordin Sparks said: 'It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a s***, OK?'
Later Brand said: 'I've got to say sorry because I said them things about promise rings. So promise rings, I'm well up for it, well done everyone. It's just that a bit of sex occasionally never hurt anybody.'
Brand's questionable humour almost overshadowed the triumphant return of pop singer Britney in the post-awards press coverage.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1053407/Russell-Brands-reta...
I guess they don't like the truth! They get shocked over the smallest thing. I think the Brits can laugh at themselves whereas the yanks tend to be a little more defensive.
Alexa...a warped sense of humour is a true quality, being able to laugh and joke in any situation makes life a lot more fun!!!
Brand is brilliant, listen to his Radio 2 show whenever I can! The podcasts aren't as good as Gervais but still worth a listen.
I don't know why the USA is going overboard for Brand..Anyway, as far as the ceremony is concerned, it depends on which paper you read..
From EW:during his opening monologue and throughout last night's show. In particular, he urged Americans to vote for Barack Obama and called George W. Bush a "retarded cowboy" who, in the U.K., wouldn't be trusted with even a pair of scissors. (Doesn't he know that you can't say "retarded" in this country anymore?) The anti-Brand complaint seems to be: You have no right to come over here from Limeyland to tell us how to vote or to mock our president -- that's our job. Then again, many commenters thought Brand was hilarious and spoke truth to power.