JK Rowling slams Russell Brand for siding with fellow sexual abuser Andrew Tate

JK Rowling has taken a swipe at Russell Brand after the comedian made a post defending controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
“Whatever you think of Andrew Tate, he appeals to a lot of people, and he’s a vessel for a lot of ideas that cannot be repressed and need to be discussed,” Brand wrote on social media platform X in January.

Rowling responded, “It’s always the ones you most suspect.”

The Harry Potter author has long criticised Andrew Tate, for his misogynist opinions, referring to the influencer as “repugnant” in a post shared in 2024. She further added, “So is the private behaviour of many other men who pretend to be progressive, feminist sympathisers in public.”

Tate and Brand are both facing sexual assault allegations.
Once a household name known for his provocative humour and film roles, Brand has since pivoted to an online career where he promotes wellness advice laced with conspiracy theories. He recently claimed to have moved to the United States.
Brand has been charged with one count of rape, one of oral rape, one of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to incidents alleged by four women, dating back to between 1999 and 2005, in central London and Bournemouth.
The UK comedian is due to appear at a magistrates’ court in London on 2 May.
Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for the crown prosecution service (CPS), said, “We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault,” following a review of evidence collected after the 2023 documentary.
Brand has repeatedly denied all allegations, claiming that all of his past relationships were “always consensual.”
Meanwhile, the figure Brand chose to back, Andrew Tate, is himself at the centre of multiple legal battles across two countries- Romania and US.
In the US, his ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern is suing him for abuse, claiming he choked her and struck her violently, leaving her with symptoms of concussion. She also shared chilling details of Tate reportedly calling her “my property” during an alleged attack.
In Romania, Tate and his brother Tristan are under judicial control and face accusations of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to exploit women. A Romanian court halted their trial in December over procedural issues, but prosecutors have since launched a second investigation with more severe allegations, including witness tampering and child trafficking.