Russell Brand calls Boris Johnson a 'Jihadi John machine' in bizarre Facebook rant

Video: Russell Brand hit out at Boris Johnson
Russell Brand/Facebook
Hannah Al-Othman22 February 2016
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Controversial comedian Russell Brand today has accused Boris Johnson of being a "Jihadi John machine" in a vocal video rant posted to Facebook.

In the 45 second clip, the comic accuses the Mayor of London of helping to "grow" thousands of extremists, like Mohammed Emwazi, Islamic State's London-raised executioner-in-chief, who was killed last year.

The star posted his bizarre message on Sunday night, shortly after Boris announced his intention to campaign for Britain to leave the EU.

The video opens with a clip of the London mayor discussing extremism, saying those who support ISIS' "glorification" of murder in their horrific execution films should direct their anger at the killers, not the West.

Brand then hits out at Mr Johnson, saying: "Boris Johnson grows Jihadi Johns, he's a Jihadi John machine... Boris Johnson can create thousands of others."

Seeking to justify his accusations, Brand said the mayor was failing to address the root causes of terrorism.

"Of course we condemn people who are violent," he said.

"But we look at why they're violent in order to stop the violence."

He continued: "The mentality of Boris Johnson creates more problems.

"The allegiences of Boris Johnson creates more problems.

"The activities of organisations that he belongs to, that he supports, create more problems."

Criticism: the comedian has not received much support for his views online
Russell Brand/ Facebook

However, his rant has not gone down quite as he intended, with dozens hitting out at the comedian, and dismissing his views as "absolute boll*cks."

Commenting on the video, Richard Finlay wrote: "Would love Russell to explain how Boris Johnson grows Jihadi Johns.

"Is he under the impression Boris devised the Quran and the Hadiths and jihadist ideology?"

While Carlos Heath said "Russell, I respect your Green Peace attitude but if you think for one second that a Jihadi Jon wouldn't think twice about cutting your head off with a knife because it would get media attention then think again.

"The difference between Mr Johnson and Jihadi John is that Boris wouldn't even contemplate such inhumane acts..

"Yes there's probably a better way, but talking about it is much better than accepting it or sweeping it under the carpet."

And Karen Aitkins said: "It's wonderful that Russell thinks that empathising with violent jihadi terrorists is the answer.

"Maybe they just need a bit of counselling and yoga and they'll see the light. Love you Russell but fluffy bunnies is not going to bring global peace."

The actor and comedian had previously pledged to stay away from politics after backing Ed Miliband at the last general election.

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