Actor and podcast host Russell Brand responded to people who criticized him for performing a baptism while wearing only his underwear. Brand acknowledged that he is a “bit of a showoff” but also quoted from Philippians, suggesting that the most important question is whether or not he is pointing people to Jesus.
“I suppose lookin’ at it now it does look a bit immodest, me doin’ a baptism in underpants like that, but the truth is, I took off my clothes and my underpants is all I’m wearing underneath my clothes,” said Brand. “That’s what I’m wearing right now. It wasn’t a planned photo shoot. Some of my mates took photos for their friend, actually. Evan was getting baptized.”
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Russell Brand is an influencer, stand-up comedian, actor and former radio host who now hosts several podcasts, including one focused on spirituality and meditation. He is also a controversial figure who has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories and has received several allegations of rape and sexual assault. Brand has denied the allegations.
The actor recently converted to Christianity and often processes his thoughts on his spiritual journey on social media. He was baptized in the River Thames in April, has asked his followers where he should go to church, and has shared that he was reading the Bible and C.S. Lewis.
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Brand is also an outspoken supporter of former president and presidential candidate Donald Trump. Brand joined Tucker Carlson on Carlson’s live tour of the U.S. and appeared with psychologist and commentator Jordan Peterson at the Rescue the Republic rally in Washington D.C. on Sunday, Sept. 29.
Others in attendance at the rally included former presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, TPUSA founder and president Charlie Kirk, and actor Rob Schneider. Christian rock band Skillet was among the bands that performed.
Monday morning, Brand posted photos of himself touring the Museum of the Bible, calling it “more than a museum – it is an immersive and elucidating experience. In many ways, it felt as if I was partaking in a visceral encounter with God.”
The recent criticism of Brand stems from photos he posted on Friday, Sept. 27, in which he was wearing only his underwear while baptizing someone with the help of another man. The man being baptized appeared to be wearing a wetsuit, and the man assisting Brand with the baptism was also in his underwear.
In the caption, Brand wrote, “It might seem a bit soon to be baptizing people, but the Apostles did it on day one, so here we are.”
Some responded with encouragement, while others commented on Brand’s attire. “Russell, thank you for bringing people closer to Christ. God’s timing is perfect,” said one person.
“I did not have ‘Russell Brand baptizing people in his tighty-whities’ on my 2024 bingo card :),” said conservative Christian commentator Ben Zeisloft.
“Doing this in your underwear is utterly inappropriate. This is a ‘tell’, a sign of irreverence of the holiness of Abba Pater [Father],” said user Israel Anderson. “Big TELL moment here making yourself the center of attention.”
Brand did not identify who the two men in the photos were, apart from saying in his response video that Evan was getting baptized and referring to Joe and the Church of the Two Swans.
“Anyway, some people thought it was a little immodest and me showing off, judging from the comments,” Brand said. “You know, I read the comments below. But what I’d say is this—and I’m a little bit of a showoff—the Lord made me a little bit of a showoff, but it is for him that I am showing off now, not for me.”
