Michael Sweet commented on Russell Brand in an Instagram post amid sexual assault allegations.
“A new hero,” the singer said of Brand sharing a photo of the actor. “The truth presented with facts and intelligence wrapped up with a new found faith in God. Absolutely amazing. I also hope he’s listening to some Stryper from time to time.”
Brand devoted himself to Christianity after he faced sexual assault allegations. In the comment section of Sweet’s post, there are some positive comments as well as criticisms for supporting someone who has such allegations against him.
“Exactly what makes him a hero? If we all ‘confess our sins,’ doesn’t that make us heroes, too?” one person wrote. “There is no humbling before God here, just another chapter in publicity. You’re not showing his victims any grace, either. Very disappointed and disgusted, frankly.”
Another one said, “Surprised people are buying into his new act. I’ve met him a few times. Might want to find a new ‘hero.’” One other commenter added, “Hasn’t he been accused of sexual assault by multiple women? Maybe wait and see what happens there before calling him a hero.”
“This Sunday, I’m taking the plunge. I’m getting baptized,” Brand said in an Instagram video in April after the sexual assault accusations. “What’s been explained to me is, it’s an opportunity to die and be reborn. An opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in Christ’s name.”
He referred to a Bible verse and explained, “Like it says in Galatians: that you can live as an enlightened and awakened person. People are so cynical about the increasing interest in Christianity and the return to God, but to me, it’s obvious.”
“As meaning deteriorates in the modern world, as our value systems and institutions crumble, all of us become increasingly aware that there is this eerily familiar awakening and beckoning figure that we’ve all known all of our lives, within us and around us. And for me it’s very exciting,” Brand also added.
Brand was accused of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse by four women in an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times. He was questioned by the police twice and denied all the claims.
