Latest news with #IMPACTxNightline
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Russell Brand's roommate breaks silence on disturbing behaviour ahead of actor's court appearance
Russell Brand's former roommate has spoken publicly about the actor's behaviour in the days before he became famous, describing unsettling changes in his demeanour when confronted about wrongdoing. The interview aired just days before Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday 2 May, where he will face multiple charges of sexual assault. In an exclusive with ABC News' IMPACT x Nightline, Mark Pinheiro recounted his experiences living with Brand in London. 'If Russell knows he's doing something wrong, something naughty, something illegal, whatever it might be, if you challenge him about it afterwards, this personality would take over, the eyes go dead, the voice goes monotone,' Pinheiro said. 'So, it was never him that was doing it, it was this personality that would take over and that's the person that would be doing these things.' The comments come as Brand prepares to answer five criminal charges filed in April by the Crown Prosecution Service. The charges include rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault, all linked to four women and alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2005. Brand has denied all allegations. In a video posted after his indictment, he said, 'I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that.' He also admitted to a troubled past, saying, 'I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist.' The new ABC News documentary Sex, Drugs and Fame The Russell Brand Story is available to stream now on Hulu.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Russell Brand's Ex-Roommate Says Disgraced Actor Had Different ‘Personality' Take Over When He Did ‘Something Wrong': 'The Eyes Go Dead'
Russell Brand's former roommate believes the disgraced actor and comedian — who is currently facing sex offense charges — had a 'different personality' take over when he did 'something wrong.' In this week's IMPACT x Nightline episode on Brand's troubled rise to fame and sexual assault allegations, his former roommate sits down with ABC News' Juju Chang for an exclusive interview. Mark Pinheiro says he 'wasn't surprised' after the news broke in April of Brand being charged with five counts of assault and rape in the U.K. and recalls what it was like living with Brand in London before he made his name in Hollywood. 'If Russell knows he's doing something wrong, something naughty, something illegal, whatever it might be, if you challenge him about it afterwards, this personality would take over, the eyes go dead, the voice goes monotone,' Pinheiro says. Related: What Has Russell Brand Been Accused Of? His Sexual Assault Accusations and Charges, Explained He adds, 'So, it was never him that was doing it, it was this personality that would take over and that's the person that would be doing these things.' Brand, 49, was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service on April 4 with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape and two counts of sexual assault stemming from allegations from four anonymous women. The alleged incidents occurred between 1999 and 2005. He has denied the allegations. In a video posted on X last month, he admitted to living a life of debauchery as a younger man, but maintains he never raped anyone. Related: Russell Brand Admits He Was 'Sex Addict' and 'Imbecile' But Denies Rape Allegations "I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord," Brand said. "I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist." Brand will appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 2 to answer to the sex offense charges, police have said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. He was first accused of sexual assault in September 2023 when five women spoke about their alleged experiences in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 current affairs show Dispatches. The accusations prompted the Metropolitan Police to conduct an investigation into Brand, culminating in charges being filed against him. ABC News' IMPACT x Nightline: 'Sex, Drugs & Fame: The Russell Brand Story" began streaming May 1 on Hulu. Read the original article on People
Miami Herald
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Wendy Williams in Miami for dad's birthday after saying she was being ‘held hostage'
She made it out, albeit temporarily. Wendy Williams was allowed to leave her NYC assisted living facility over the weekend to attend her father's 94th birthday celebration in Miami. She was spotted at Miami International Airport on Saturday, on a motorized scooter, looking happy. It is unclear why Williams, who was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder, and frontotemporal lobe dementia, which affects behavior, personality and movement. Her son Kevin Hunter, 24, was also in attendance at his grandfather's birthday party and posted a snap on Instagram Stories that was reshared by fan site @wendywatchers. The talk show legend, in a signature blond wig, is seen on the arm of a chair where her father is seated, smiling and looking well. 'Happy I could make this happen for you, Papa,' read the text on the screen. 'I said by any means and I kept my word.' In December, Williams was also able to leave the treatment center to attend Jr.'s graduation from Florida International University in West Miami Dade County. The 60 year old was also seen riding a scooter in paparazzi snaps. Last month, the radio vet told pal Charlamagne Tha God on 'The Breakfast Club' that she was concerned she would not be allowed to travel to South Florida again for another family gathering. 'I feel like I am in prison, you understand what I'm saying?' said Williams in the lengthy phone interview, adding she was being 'held hostage.' Williams disputed the claim that she is 'cognitively impaired' — a term used by her court appointed guardian Sabrina Morrissey, a Manhattan lawyer. 'I don't know if she's going to let me see my dad for his birthday. I'm exhausted thinking about it.' In another interview for an upcoming documentary streaming on Hulu, called 'IMPACT x Nightline,' the New Jersey native told reporter Byron Pitts that her diagnosis is inaccurate and is offended that people think she has it. 'Do you think you have dementia?' he asks. 'No. That's what I've been accused of, believe it or not. Frontotemporal dementia? How dare you.'
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Wendy Williams denies dementia claims in new ‘IMPACT x Nightline' episode
Wendy Williams is speaking out about her court-appointed guardianship and dementia diagnosis in a new episode of IMPACT x Nightline. Hosted by Nightline co-anchor Byron Pitts, the special features interviews with Williams, her brother Tommy Williams, friends Sunny Hostin and Jason Lee, and medical and legal professionals analyzing her case. Williams directly challenges claims about her health and mental state, particularly accusations of frontotemporal dementia. In a preview clip, she firmly denies the diagnosis, saying: 'How do you prove it by keeping me locked here? I can't go out. You have to have keys to open the door. This is like being in prison.' The episode delves into the legal battle over her guardianship, with Williams' appointed guardian calling for a reevaluation of her condition. Since being removed from managing her own finances, Williams has largely remained out of the public eye, making this special a rare insight into her current reality. Watch IMPACT x Nightline: What's Happening with Wendy Williams? now on Hulu to follow the latest developments in her case.
