CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Brand fails to impress US with MTV purity ring remarks

by Josh Kimball, Christian Post
Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 7:20 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A

LOS ANGELES - The biggest Hollywood buzz from Sunday's 2008 MTV Video Music Awards may have been Britney Spears' hailed comeback, but taking a close second are the crude antics of comedian Russell Brand, who took shots at President Bush, Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, and the family-friendly Jonas Brothers, among others.

Brand, who is relatively unknown in the United States, urged Americans Sunday to vote for Barack Obama, called Bush "that retarded cowboy fella", and labelled Palin a "VILF".

"Some people - I think they're called racists - say America is not ready for a black president," the VMA host said in front of the celebrity-filled crowd at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles. "But I know America to be a forward thinking country because otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years?"

While Brand's political comments certainly brewed up a storm, Brand's repeated jabs at the Jonas Brothers and the purity rings they wear as a symbol of their vow not to have premarital sex also drew fire.

The band of three brothers, whose father is a pastor, famously wear the rings on their left-hand ring finger to remind themselves of their "promise to ourselves and to God that we'll stay pure 'till marriage". They also abstain from alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

At one point during Brand's time onstage, the British funnyman pretended he had stolen a Jonas Brother's virginity as he played with a ring in his hand.

"Let me tell you, it was an enjoyable and pleasant experience and I wish the rest of the Jonas brothers the best of luck because over the course of the evening I want a collection of these bloody things," he said.

Following Brand's comments, American Idol winner and fellow purity ring wearer Jordin Sparks took to the stage, and before presenting an award, defended the evangelical Christian brothers with a quick statement.

"I just wanna say, it's not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?" Sparks stated, drawing the applause of the crowd.

While many have been supportive of Sparks' stance, some have been angered by the implication that those who don't abstain are "sluts".

Sparks assured News.com.au, however, that while she doesn't feel bad for what she said, she "didn't mean to offend anybody if I did".

The openly Christian music star also told FOXNews.com's Pop Tarts column later Sunday night at the In Touch magazine after-party that she was more than happy to put Brand in his place.

"Somebody had to do it," she said.

Shortly after Sparks' onstage comment, Brand apologised, but managed to squeeze some punchlines into his apologies - both onstage and off.

"I've gotta say sorry 'cause I said them things about promise rings; that was bad of me," he said before presenting television stars Lauren Conrad and Chase Crawford.

"I don't want to p*** off teenage fans," he added before making another off-colour joke.

"Promise rings, I'm well up for it ... but a bit of sex, occasionally, never hurt anybody."

Offstage, Brand told The Associated Press, "I feel a bit bad that I kept talking about their vows to chastity, and I'd like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It's a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening."

Brand, a former heroin addict, talks openly about his addictions to sex and drugs in his autobiography My Booky Wook.



Copyright © 2009 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.

Added: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 22:28 (BST)

I am overly embarrassed by Russell Brands comments. I sat with my 14 year old daughter and had to explain to her many of his comments. It was not only an embarrassment but it was enough to make a proud American overly irritated.
I wonder: Is this the level of humiliation this country is willing to stoop to? I do not find this entertaining. I love that youth are willing to show of purity. I preach it to my daughter all the time.
I enjoy music of all sorts and I was excited to watch the VMA awards. I am irked that we allowed someone with this bad of a sense of humor host the show. Send him back home please.

Regina Skidmore, clarksville USA

Added: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 11:09 (BST)

Russell Brand is a serious embarrassment to our country. Who let him out?

Zoe S., Southampton

Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
World Headline
Former Haggard counsellor: We wish he wouldn't do this

Former Haggard counsellor: We wish he wouldn't do this

A member of Ted Haggard’s now-defunct restoration team says he and the others wish the former megachurch pastor would...
Sponsored Features
Bible Educational Services is committed to telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. Psalm 78: 4. To download free bible lessons or learn about Postal Bible Schools visit Enrich your love life, marriage and relationships through education and counselling. Train to become a certified marriage and family educator and change lives for good.
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here