A 2006 television exchange between Russell Brand and David Walliams has resurfaced following Brand's imprisonment for rape and sexual assault and the publication of sexual misconduct allegations against Walliams, which he denies.
The footage comes from the first episode of Channel 4's The Russell Brand Show, broadcast on November 24, 2006. Walliams appeared alongside his Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas. After Brand put on an antique top hat, Lucas joked about Brand and Walliams appearing gay despite being straight.
"Isn't it a wonderful smokescreen?" Walliams responded.
"Isn't it though? Isn't it glorious? It works wonderfully well," Brand replied. The exchange has since circulated again on social media.
Brand, 51, was sentenced at London's Southwark Crown Court on November 9 to 10 years and six months in prison. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a jury convicted him of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial. He will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.
The offences involved four women and occurred between 2004 and 2009, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. Brand had denied the charges. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Separately, a joint ITV News and Guardian investigation published on November 10 reported allegations that Walliams used his celebrity status to pursue teenage girls and young women for sexual purposes. The allegations include grooming, sexual assault and inappropriate workplace conduct. Walliams denies the allegations and criminal wrongdoing.
"I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law," Walliams said in his response to the investigation. He acknowledged regretting thoughtless behaviour in some past casual relationships but denied abusing his fame or power. His attempt to prevent publication through a High Court injunction was rejected on November 3.
The resurfaced comedy exchange does not establish that Walliams knew about Brand's offending or participated in it. Reporting on the footage makes no such allegation.
