Russell Brand calls George Bush a ‘retard’ at MTV awards
The New York Times were appreciative of Brand’s turn, saying the “manic, intelligent English comedian, injected the show with politics (pro-Barack Obama), raunch and philosophical musings.”
But others were less charitable. The Chicago Tribune wrote that “Nobody quite knew what to make of the opening monologue of wild-haired host Russell Brand”, while MTV’s online message boards were besieged by confused and outraged Americans.
One message read: “Why is it that Brits think the rest of the world doesn’t get their humour? The myth is a tired excuse for lack of humour.”
Another said: “Russell WHO? I didn’t realise this show was an Osama (sic) campaign rally. This British nobody looks like he was pulled from the ranks of the homeless - with his unshaved look, rats’ nest hair-do and foul mouth.”