Has Russell blown his chances of conquering America?

Posted by heatworld on Thursday 18 Sep 2008

Filed under: Russell Brand

Because we've all known and loved Russell Brand for years now, his somewhat controversial comments at the MTV Video Music Awards didn't actually shock any of us very much. OK, so he said some pretty shocking things – some of which we actually can't even repeat – but that's Russell, right? That's what he does best as a comedian? Well, according to sources in the US, his antics may have done a lot more damage than was originally thought, and that he's actually public enemy number one over the pond. Russell, who referred to President Bush as a "retarded cowboy" during his performance, and also managed to offend a number of religious groups by describing Britney as a female Christ, was forced to make an apology after his "jokes" went down like lead balloons. Sources are now saying that the crazy-haired comdian and his "people" are about to launch a damage-limitation operation to repair the damage. Now MTV sources are denying that they've promised Russ the same job of hosting next year, with one employee saying, "Nobody wants to admit they screwed up by hiring Russell, but there's no way he'll be hosting the show next year." Oh dear... In fairness to Russell, he does have a well-documented history of being controversial, so MTV must have had some idea of what might happen, surely? Russell's camp are saying that the star is laughing off the rumours, but that underneath he's very worried. "Despite his shambolic act, he is one of the most driven people I have ever met," says one colleague. "He has lain awake at night dreaming of making it big in America, and just as he thought he was about to crack it, it could all be taken away from him." Blimey! We had no idea this was all so serious. What did you think of Russell's comments at the VMAs? And do you think the people of America are really as angry as everyone is claiming?