I met Russell Brand fleetingly around 2007. It wasn’t impactful enough for me to even be sure of the year! But it was definitely while I was doing my MSt in Medieval History at Oxford and happened in my college’s porter’s lodge. Brand had been looking around the university before later appearing at the Oxford Union. As an active Conservative Party member and Christian I was definitely no fan of his sexually explicit comedy and anti Tory ranting. However although I was expecting a leud creep I met a polite, rather gentlemanly individual. His magnetic charisma was clear, even in those few minutes but I definitely didn’t feel uncomfortable. ‘I’d like to marry an Oxford University woman’ with a wink was as forward as he got. I don’t recount this because it sheds any light on the recent accusations against him. Obviously he could still have been a predatory monster. However it’s hard to truly know what public figures are like behind when not on in public and it made me reflect on rather unpleasant contact I had other famous and/or powerful men in those pre #MeToo noughties. I’ve had unwanted hands on various parts of my body, suggestions of slipping me a hotel room key and graphic innuendo all from men who’s public image was and remains one of total decency. One of the offending hands belongs to a man who is now in the House of Lords. Furthermore many of my fellow female Oxford students, especially in the context of the Oxford Union and its constant stream of famous speakers, told me tales of pretty shocking harassment and even assault by men who will likely never have their spotless public persona tarnished.
Good, but the Oxford culture that you have described as that of the elitist academic 'gown', which doesn't represent the students at Brookes Uni (formerly the Poly), let alone that of the 'town', the other people who make up the majority of the city's population.
First off, there won't be any real police investigation. There's no evidence, it's all hearsay and verbal and historic (speaking from my own knowledge of this area). Secondly, apart from with "Nadia" in the States, he's done nothing illegal. These women consented. They went willingly to bed with a heroine addicted alcoholic sex addict. And expected what? Moonlight and roses? Happy ever after? They are now jealous of his life, and his wife and want to see him suffer. And who the hell keeps text messages for 11 years? Plus, they all kept mementoes from their dalliance with him! Yes, I watched Dispatches. I thought it was pathetic. Clutching at straws. Move on ladies, and grow up.
A very thoughtful piece Rome, I have always disliked the man, but the pitchforks and lighted brands from the MSM is deeply distasteful.
Good, but the Oxford culture that you have described as that of the elitist academic 'gown', which doesn't represent the students at Brookes Uni (formerly the Poly), let alone that of the 'town', the other people who make up the majority of the city's population.
First off, there won't be any real police investigation. There's no evidence, it's all hearsay and verbal and historic (speaking from my own knowledge of this area). Secondly, apart from with "Nadia" in the States, he's done nothing illegal. These women consented. They went willingly to bed with a heroine addicted alcoholic sex addict. And expected what? Moonlight and roses? Happy ever after? They are now jealous of his life, and his wife and want to see him suffer. And who the hell keeps text messages for 11 years? Plus, they all kept mementoes from their dalliance with him! Yes, I watched Dispatches. I thought it was pathetic. Clutching at straws. Move on ladies, and grow up.