Russell Brand Defended Justin Bieber After 2014 Racist Videos

Videos that surfaced in 2014 showed Bieber telling a racist joke that included the N-word and changing the lyrics of “One Less Lonely Girl” to include racist language. He was 20 when the footage became public; the recordings dated to when he was about 14 or 15. Bieber apologized, calling his behavior offensive and unacceptable and saying he had not understood the impact of certain words when he was younger, according to a statement reported by The Associated Press.

Brand addressed the backlash in a video, saying Bieber should not face lasting condemnation for something he did as a child. “Of course it’s wrong to say the ‘N-word’, but he’s a child,” Brand said. He criticized the intense public scrutiny young celebrities face, while maintaining that Bieber’s conduct deserved criticism. Usher, Whoopi Goldberg and 50 Cent also offered defenses that cited Bieber’s age or experience; actor Drake Bell challenged the argument that his age should excuse the remarks.

Brand’s comments have resurfaced after he was sentenced on November 9, 2026, to 10 years and six months in prison. The 51-year-old was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2004 and 2009, according to the UK Crown Prosecution Service. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

An old photograph of Brand, Bieber and Katy Perry at the 2010 American Music Awards has also reappeared online. Bieber was 16, and Brand was married to Perry. The photograph does not establish inappropriate conduct toward Bieber, who has not publicly accused Brand of misconduct. There is no verified evidence that the two remain close, or that Brand’s crimes are connected to his past defense of the singer.