Webchat with Russell Brand - Weds 12 Nov - 1 o'clock

[JustineMumsnet]

We're very pleased to say that Russell Brand is joining us on Wednesday 12 November between 1 and 2pm.

For those who don't know, Russell Brand is a comedian, actor and author.

His latest book, Revolution, sets out his views for political change - because, he says, "democracy has been taken away from us".

You might have caught his recent interview on Newsnight, which was widely discussed on the boards.

This is his third book, following My Booky Wook and Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal and has just published the first in a new series of children's books Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin, written by Russell and illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Please do join us on Wednesday - or if you can't, feel free to post questions in advance, here.

(Reminder that we only allow one question and one follow-up per user, so make sure to use yours wisely )

"Russell, my 9 year old daughter and I met you in Hamleys last weekend, thank you for being so sweet to her, and for taking the time to talk to her. She has read the pied piper of Hamelin, and loved it. She has a question for you:

Are you planning on writing any more children's books? If so, have you thought about what the next one will be?

(Oh, and did you like the drawing of Despicable Me that she gave to you?)
Yes I am planning on writing some more children's books, including Rumpelstiltskin.

That drawing was fucking brilliant! I love it! It was really really good. That child had a really good drawing style. Tell that kid to keep drawing. I'm keeping it!"

Thank you so much, I will show this message to her when she gets home from school - she will be over the moon!

Yes slug all of that is true but hopefully he is learning/has learned that.

Can we not allow people to grow and change.

He used to think drinking Gin for breakfast was acceptable -I'm sure he doesn't now. Does that mean we should hate him for what he used to be?

Second Question:

You said you are thinking more about books at the moment, what was the last book you read that an impact on you, either positive or negative??

Thanks

Mrs M

@slug

I hope I was never a misogynist.

I would argue that you still are, even though you don't seem able to admit it.

Using prostituted women is not "a bit sexist" It has real and sometimes fatal implications for women in the society you live in

Supporting men who are in hiding from rape trials is not "a bit sexist" but has real and devastating implications for women in the society you live in

Your use of casual misogynistic language both on and off air are not "a bit sexist" but have real and devastating implications for women in the society you live in.

The fact that you have a high media profile and a following amongst impressionable youth makes it even more important that you consider the implications of your throwaway lines have. These young men think you are funny and they think your lines are funny. Believe me it's not fun to walk down the road and have young men shout "I'd have a go on that" (note: reducing women to an object and removing her humanity completely) or "I fucked your grandaughter" for the amusement of themselves and their mates.

Ahh, now we're getting into time travel. In the past I have done things that are regrettable. I was a heroin addict, a criminal, selfish, egotistical. Obviously, I'm still not perfect, I'm travelling in the right direction. If we preclude the possibility for change and improvement, then who among us isn't fucked? As Jesus said, when defending Mary Magdalen, a reported prostitute, 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone'.

To add to mmelindors question, if you are so unlike the tossers in power arm, could you send me £900 for the wheelchair the NHS will not provide for me. Paypal is fine :)

Um

Without?

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Sheesh, A man after my own heart - my most valued belief. Easy to judge, not so easy to be perfect.

Dear Russell
Have you ever had it levelled at you that you might be bi polar or have hypo maniac symptoms?
I am 'diagnosed' with BP 2.

@GordonBooby

I think political parties are no longer relevant. In today's technical world of immediate communication we should be able to vote for individuals at the click of a button, just like X Factor. The No Party Party. What do you think to this approach.? Tracey Ward x

A lot of people would think that's glib, but you're right - people love voting. But when we vote for One Direction or Cheryl Cole, it makes a difference - if you vote for David Cameron, it doesn't. Direct democracy and referenda are the answer.

Can I just thank you for raising the profile and plight of the E15 Focus mothers. They had been battling for over a year but you made their story global - Keep it up!

"Mumsnet.com"
Have a guess on how he conceived that notion.

@skipahappy

Please tell us about "Your Morrisey" - your cat. Do you talk to him, and is he vegetarian?

He's not vegetarian. He's a cat. He's changing at the moment, he's lived in 8 homes. He seems happy, he's got two cat flaps –one in the window, one in the door. He's been constantly present, like a selfish furry little angel, for 11 years and I thank God that he does not have the gift of speech. He's seen too much.

What are the ingredients of the green health drink I occasionally see you slurp? Do you juice your own?

Thing is, Russell, Mary Magdalene wasn't the one doing anything wrong. The men treating her like an object to be used were.

Now, about Julian Assange - will you, now, pledge your support for the women who have accused him of raping them?

Do you believe spirituality and religion are one and the same? As in, do you believe you must believe in a religion to be a spiritual person? I for one believe there is a huge difference in being religious and being spiritual.

Hi Russel.

I went for a hug from Amma the other week at Ally Pally and waited for 8 hours. I saw that you'd been too. Did you have to queue too and how long?

@BlistersRUs

Hi Russell

Love your work!

I've seen your standup shows and they're excellent (I saw your most recent at the Cliff's Pavilion in Westcliff). Will you be doing any more standup comedy or will you be focusing more on politics?

ps - you smiled at me while you were cycling up Kingsland Road recently with your dog - made my day!

I'm still doing stand up comedy, and I'm reading my children's book at Albert Hall on Friday. Have some tickets for you and your family.

“Are you reading this on a yacht, through your Ray-Bans, with, I dunno, a pair of glistening Russian sisters"

From your latest book. While still in your misogynistic mode

I really really love you!! Can I have some tickets for Friday please? ??

sorry, second question - you say you believe in God and has now just quoted the Bible, a very good quote indeed.
Does that mean you consider yourself a Christian?

@caspi1888

How can we involve poor people (myself) across the country in protests etc when the means are not there to do so? travelling, food, shelter. Ive often wanted to help the cause but cant afford to do so.

Do what you can. Start local. Why are you poor? How does this affect you? The people in the next house/flat - are they poor, is it for the same reason? Are they interested in change? Direct, autonomous action.

Oh right, free tickets for nice comments...
I'm heading to Flouncer's Corner' soon

By the was it was a lovely hug. How was yours?

Anyhow MNers, are we saying that in the folly of youth if we make mistakes we can never turn ourselves around? That none of us have made errors of judgement? Seems a bit rich.