...despite last year's controversy

Russell Brand has been invited to host this year's MTV Video Music Awards – despite his controversial comments last year.

At last year’s bash he famously wound up celibate pop pin-ups The Jonas Brothers, to the anger of their fans, and received internet death threats for his jibes calling George W Bush a ‘retarded cowboy’.

But Brand promised: ‘This year will be a controversy-free festival of love and discrete orgasms.’

MTV general manager Stephen Friedman said: ‘We are thrilled that despite numerous death threats from Jonas Brothers fans, Russell Brand has accepted our offer to put his life on the line and host the VMAs again this year.’

The live event will be held across various New York on September 13, including Radio City Music Hall.

MTV has also announced that country-pop singer Taylor Swift and British rock trio Muse will perform, but the nominees and other performers are yet to be announced.

Published: 14 Jul 2009