Jonathan Ross addresses David Walliams allegations and Russell Brand’s conviction

'I was genuinely unaware'

Ross said he had no idea about their alleged behaviour while they were on friendly terms, and expressed his support for the women who have come forward.

“I am as horrified by the revelations about David Walliams and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation.

“There was a time in my life when I was on friendly terms with both men, and during that period I was genuinely unaware of their conduct. My thoughts are with the many, many women who have bravely come forward.”

Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault, although he pleaded not guilty and continues to deny the charges. 

The allegations against Walliams centre on claims that he used his position in the entertainment industry to approach vulnerable young women and teenagers for sex.

He has firmly denied the accusations, maintaining that he is “not a sexual predator” and has committed no crime.

Resurfaced 2004 clip puts Ross in the spotlight

Ross's statement comes as an old joke he made about Walliams at the 2004 Comedy Awards has resurfaced online. 

In the clip, he joked about the event's 15th anniversary, saying: “The comedy awards is 15 years old - 15 years old! And like most 15 year olds, it's drunk, it's unpredictable and it's probably going home with David Walliams.”

The remark prompted questions about whether Ross had known something about Walliams' behaviour. 

However, he has stressed that the joke was written by the awards show's scriptwriting team, and that he understood it as a reference to Walliams having publicly dated younger women.

Ross admitted that he would not make the same joke today, but said he would have refused to deliver it had he suspected it referred to real events.

“Had I had any reason to suspect that it might be referring to actual events, I would not only have refused to use it, but I would not have felt comfortable continuing a personal or professional relationship with him.”

He added: “I also like to think that I would have acted upon that knowledge.”