Katherine Ryan Says Comedy Central Prevented Her from Joking About Russell Brand on ‘Roast Battle’

Katherine Ryan Addresses Working Relationship with Russell Brand on Roast Battle

Comedian Katherine Ryan has shared insights into her experience collaborating with Russell Brand on the UK version of Roast Battle, which aired on Paramount’s Comedy Central. During her recent stand-up special, Katherine Ryan: First Born Daughter, Ryan confirmed that she crafted jokes centered around Brand’s alleged mistreatment of women; however, she claimed that Paramount intervened to prevent her from addressing her co-star directly.

Brand has consistently denied any allegations of misconduct. In May, he pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault. On social media, the actor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to defend himself in a trial set for 2026. Earlier this month, he faced additional charges of rape and sexual assault and is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20.

In her stand-up special, Ryan recounted an experience related to Brand, stating, “I was invited on a panel show, and I was so excited to do it, but then I found out that if I went on, I would be sat next to a man whom I firmly believe, but can’t prove to be a c***. And that’s the lawyer’s choice of words, not mine.”

Her initial decision was to decline the job, but she later reconsidered, noting her belief that she could confront Brand in a humorous manner. Ryan humorously speculated about Brand’s appearance, remarking on his “unnecessarily tight jeans,” and expressed her moral resolve to address his reputation through comedy during the show.

She shared that while Brand initially reacted positively to her jokes, he eventually became upset and threatened to leave the show. “The channel got upset. They didn’t want him to leave, and they issued him a new contract, which he waltzed into my dressing room and threw under my nose the next day. He said: ‘Look, you’re not allowed to be mean to me anymore, because I don’t consent,’” Ryan recalled.

Following Comedy Central’s intervention, Ryan felt pressured to adopt a more amicable approach toward Brand. Paramount declined to comment, and both Ryan and Brand were approached for their perspectives.

Brand departed Roast Battle after its first season and was succeeded by Jonathan Ross. The format of the show, inspired by the U.S. series Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, encourages comedians to make jokes at one another’s expense, with judges, including Ryan and Brand, considered fair targets.

In 2022, Ryan discussed her Roast Battle experience during her appearance on the BBC series Louis Theroux Interviews…. Though she did not specify Brand or the show, her remarks resonated widely, an experience she revisited in her First Born Daughter special.

Reflecting on the interview with Theroux, Ryan humorously noted, “I was so excited to be interviewed by him, and I maybe shouldn’t have done that interview, because I have a disorder where if you ask me a question, I will tell you the answer.” She pondered, “What’s the worst that could happen if I talk to Louis Theroux about it? A Times exposé, a Channel 4 documentary?”

Ending on a serious note, Ryan remarked on the legal implications surrounding public commentary, stating, “It’s awkward now, because there is someone in the UK who’s been officially charged with an offense, and when that happens, you’re not allowed to slag them off anymore. Boo.”