Hundreds complain about Brand’s gags

Russell Brand attracted hundreds of complaints for jokes he cracked while hosting the Brits on Wednesday night.

ITV received about 300 calls the following morning, while broadcasting watchdog Ofcom logged 100 more.

The complaints are said to relate to the ‘tone’ of the jokes at the music ceremony, which was broadcast live for the first time in 17 years

Brand was booed when he made reference to the ‘friendly fire’ death of squaddie in Iraq, saying: ‘I think a good international breakthrough would be if British and American soldiers tell each other where they are standing.’

He also joked about Robbie Williams’ drug treatment and made various other innuendos.

ITV defended Brand, calling him an ‘edgy host for an edgy event’ while simultaneously apologising for any offence he caused.

There was a 30-second delay, which allowed swearing to be bleeped out before the 9pm watershed.

Around 5.3million viewers watched the show, according to overnight ratings.

Published: 15 Feb 2007