FOXNews.com readers have a message for MTV: Send Russell Brand back to the U.K.
Brand — who is a British citizen and a celebrity in the U.K. — made a series of controversial comments while hosting Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards, mocking the Jonas Brothers for wearing "purity rings" to pledge their virginity until marriage, encouraging Americans to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in the upcoming election, referring to President George W. Bush as a "retarded cowboy fella" and taking a shot at Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin and her pregnant daughter, saying "The safe sex message is to use a condom or become a Republican."
The Jonas Brothers themselves were OK with Brand's comments, with Nick Jonas telling BBC's Radio 1 on Tuesday, "For us it's cool to see that he recognizes we are gentlemen." Kevin Jonas said the trio had "a good time" and Nick Jonas said "I think he did a good job."
Pop star Nick Lachey, appearing Tuesday on "FOX and Friends," said of Brand's Obama-pushing: "It is interesting to hear from someone who doesn't live in the U.S. and can't vote. He took the opportunity to make his opinion known." But Lachey added that "at the end of the day, strange things happen at the VMAs — they always have."
Video: Click here to see Lachey on 'FOX and Friends'
"American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks used her moment on stage at the VMAs to strike back against Brand, saying: "It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut."
FOXNews.com readers also had plenty to say about Brand's performance. Below are some of their responses to our Pop Tarts column, which reported on the story on Monday:
From Scott: The show was the worst ever….the host was a complete idiot…..send him back to the U.K.
From Lila: I just cannot believe that the VMA's would have a host like the one they had. That guy was not a good choice to have. I could not even watch it 'cause half the time I could not understand him and the other half he was putting everyone down. I hope the people who do the VMAs pick a better host for next time. That show was pitiful last night. Very, very disappointed.
From Joan: Russell Brand is not funny. Never again will I waste my eyesight on this type of frivolity. What a waste of time. Airheads, Inc.
From Vtree: Good on you Jordin. Why did Britney win? Russell Brand is not funny, go home."
From Adam Weiss: I want to comment about the media onslaught against Governor Palin. Russell Brand didn't need to come over here and start bashing our president, calling him a retard is way over the top but what are we to expect from Hollywood and the music industry? One day it's Kanye West bashing the president, and the next day it's Annette Bening putting down Governor Palin. Nobody looks to the VMAs for political insight. But what was said about Governor Palin and the president was disrespectful. There should be an apology for crossing the line. Note to MTV: not all young people are liberal Democrats, and you offended some of your viewers.
From Carol: Who is Russell Brand? Never heard of him, hope he goes away.
From Chris: The VMAs were just lame, and seemed overly scripted like a bad episode of "The Hills." What happened to the days of Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson? People with real talent used to go. Not bad reality stars like Tila Tequila. I’ll give Russell Brand a break because it was his first year to host, and I am sure he was nervous, but he sucked it up. His comments toward the Jonas Brothers weren’t as bad as people made it out to be. Chris Rock used to call out Britney Spears for lip-syncing, so roasting people in the audience has always been a part of the VMAs. I felt his political statements were a little out of left field, but it’s the First Amendment freedom of speech so what can you do? Next year I suggest they have an actual funny host who more people know and better performers, presenters and just a better show in general.
But other readers defended Brand:
From Hannah: I think the host was funny and witty and was on point with his jokes. Let's be honest, we all make fun of Bush and virginity all the time.
From a reader: If I may be so bold as to ask — what VMAs were you watching??? The arena did not cheer Jordin Sparks' response to Brand, she was booed. Sure, a smattering of applause from Jonas Brothers fans, but mostly we saw a stunned John Legend and an audience amazed by the rudeness of the former "Idol" contestant. If you are willing to so publicly discuss your pledge to remain chaste, a decision that is extremely personal, not trendy, one should expect that they will be lambasted. Jordin, unfortunately for her, found out the hard way that if you do not have a sense of humor about yourself, you will not only be chaste but chastised.
From Alex: Russell Brand’s political statements were exactly what MTV USED to be all about. MTV created Rock the Vote and the dummies in the audience care more about what they’re wearing and flat ironing their hair than who is running for office, and that is a sad state of affairs.
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