Dannii Minogue's scathing words for Russell Brand resurface after disgraced comedian's rape sentencing

Dannii Minogue thought Russell Brand was a “vile predator” who “wouldn’t take no for an answer” when they met in 2006.

The Australian singer’s comments after her MTV interview with Brand have resurfaced following the disgraced comedian and actor’s conviction last week for rape and sexual assault.

Following a four-week trial, Brand, 51, was sentenced on Monday (9 November 2026) to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The sentencing has prompted a number of past comments to resurface, both from Brand and those who have encountered him over the years.

“He is completely crazy and a bit of a vile predator,” Minogue told the Mirror after being interviewed by Brand on his MTV chatshow, 1 Leicester Square, back in 2006.

“I certainly don’t think he has cured his sex addiction, that’s for sure,” she continued. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer. [...] He always goes that step too far. Never quite far enough to slap his face, but usually too far.”

1 Leicester Square was filmed during a period when Brand was rising to fame, performing stand-up and presenting shows such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth.

Minogue, then 34, was promoting a greatest hits album in 2006 when Brand, then 31, spoke to her for MTV - which was his second stint on the network.

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“I was told he got sacked from MTV in the past for wearing an Osama bin Laden costume to work the day after September 11,” Minogue said.

“I couldn’t believe that I’d just agreed to be interviewed by someone who would do something like that, it really unnerved me.

“And then throughout the whole interview, he kept making shocking remarks that I can’t even repeat. Just uttering the words would make me blush.”

Announcing Brand’s sentence on Monday, Mr Justice Bennathan told the former Hollywood actor that he will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in prison as he accused the star of showing a “casual, arrogant disregard for any woman’s right to say no”.

The judge said Brand’s celebrity status had protected him until a 2023 exposé by Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times “empowered” other women to come forward.

Sending him to the cells, the judge added: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Mr Brand, act without their consent.”

One of Brand’s victims, who returned to court to deliver her victim impact statement on Monday, said she felt “physically sick” watching him soar to fame after he groped her breasts within minutes of meeting her in a Soho bar in 2004. Brand was acquitted of orally raping her in the bar’s toilet on the same night.

The attack left her feeling like “damaged goods”, she told the court.

“For many years as his star was rising it was impossible to escape seeing him all over the media, being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke,” she said, speaking from behind a screen to protect her anonymity.

“There were many times I felt physically sick at the sight of him parading around thinking he can get away with anything.”

Following the hearing, the Metropolitan Police reiterated their appeal for any other victims to come forward. The force is already investigating Brand over two more alleged rapes, including against a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and charging files are being considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion,” Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said.