UFC star Bryce Mitchell has ignited controversy after posting an impassionate video defending his friend Russell Brand, who was recently convicted of multiple offenses against women. The Arkansas native’s social media statement has drawn sharp criticism from fans, fellow athletes, and the MMA community.
In the video, Mitchell recounted how he became friends with the British entertainer after meeting at a party.
“His name is Russell Brand. I’m friends with him because we met at a party and our personalities instantly clicked,” Mitchell explained. “He’s so sincere and thoughtful and funny and smart. I couldn’t help but to notice him.”
The UFC star went on to claim Brand had been “falsely accused with charges in the UK by a corrupted parliament with no evidence.”
This statement contradicts the legal proceedings that resulted in Brand’s conviction. Mitchell acknowledged Brand’s past behavior but framed it through a religious lens, comparing the comedian to biblical figures.
“I see a lot of Christians, especially, pointing at Russell Brand saying that he’s not a righteous man, he’s a sinner because of his past life. And y’all act like you don’t know who Paul is,” Mitchell said, referencing the apostle’s conversion story. “You act like you’re more righteous than somebody based off the life that you live and not the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.”
Mitchell made particularly controversial claims about one of Brand’s accusers, stating: “The woman that accused him actually stalked him and begged him for intimacy. And then the government basically incentivized the entire nation to falsely accuse him so that they could falsely imprison him.”
The UFC star concluded his statement by doubling down on his support: “I know he didn’t force himself on nobody. I know he didn’t. And if you don’t like Russell Brand, well, you don’t have to like me either. I love him because he’s my friend, and I proudly believe what he says.”
The response to Mitchell’s video has been overwhelmingly negative across social media platforms.
One commenter wrote, “You may be through with the past but the past is not through with you (sometimes). This is his cross to bear for his past actions.”
Another pointed out the legal reality: “Parliament don’t convict a Jury does.”
Some of the other comments were as follows:
Additionally, several users questioned Mitchell’s logic in determining Brand’s innocence. “How was he convicted without any evidence? That has to be one of the dumbest things ever said,” one person responded.
Another added, “I’m sure he was just jet setting around the globe with Diddy for humanitarian reasons.”
Critics also challenged Mitchell’s interpretation of Christian forgiveness as it relates to accountability.
“Being a Christian doesn’t excuse past behaviors. Accountability and Justice for those harmed should be a primary focus for Christians,” wrote one commenter.
Another observed, “Salvation and Justice can co-exist, but you cannot have salvation without redemption. If a man’s past involves actions and violence against another, I find it difficult to believe there can be redemption without justice.”
Some commenters noted that Brand’s turn to Christianity coincided with the emergence of allegations against him. “He only ‘found god’ because his lawyers warned him of what was coming for him. He is not remorseful,” one person claimed.
The timing of Brand’s religious conversion has been scrutinized by many. Bear Grylls, who baptized Brand when he converted to Christianity in 2024, stated after the conviction: “It is right that justice has now been served.”
Several people familiar with Brand’s history pointed to his own admissions about his behavior. “He openly has said when he was 30 he engaged with a 16 year old,” one commenter noted. Others referenced Brand’s documented history of problematic conduct that he himself detailed in his autobiography and various interviews.
According to sources, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has indicated that additional individuals may come forward. “We’ve got two other individuals who’ve come forward who want to tell their story, and so two cases we’re investigating. I wouldn’t be surprised if many, many more come forward, and we’re open to that,” Rowley said.
Authorities suspect at least 10 additional women may have been harmed by Brand, with sources describing the potential number of further cases as being in “double digits.”
Mitchell’s defense of Brand stands in contrast to statements from others who worked with the entertainer. Comedian Katherine Ryan, who previously warned of a “predator” in the entertainment industry, expressed relief at the conviction.
She stated, “They came forward despite Russell Brand having fame, power, money and a legion of fans ready to attack them. There has been some justice done today.”
The case has reignited discussions about how public figures use religious conversion as a shield from accountability. “This is exactly why people pull the Christian grift once they’re caught,” one commenter observed.
Mitchell’s statement has also raised questions about parasocial relationships and how personal friendships can cloud judgment regarding serious legal matters.
“Just because you met someone and they made you feel like they’re a nice genuine person doesn’t mean he didn’t do things to women against their will,” one person wrote.
