What did Sean Lock say about David Walliams and Russell Brand?

sean lock on 8 out of 10 cats

Comedian Sean Lock is being praised for his reaction to a controversial David Walliams joke and for a blistering takedown of Russell Brand, with resurfaced clips of the late 8 Out of 10 Cats star attracting renewed attention amid serious developments involving both entertainers.

Lock, who died from cancer in 2021 aged 58, was known for his sharp wit and uncompromising comic style. But two moments from the Channel 4 panel show have taken on a different significance: his stone-faced response to a joke made by Walliams in 2009, and a furious rant about Brand five years later.

The clips have resurfaced as Walliams faces allegations of sexual misconduct made by multiple women, which he denies, while Brand has been convicted of rape and sexual assault and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

Here is what Sean Lock said about the two comedians, and why his comments are being discussed again.

What did Sean Lock say about David Walliams?

A resurfaced clip from 8 Out of 10 Cats in 2009 shows David Walliams making a joke to presenter Jimmy Carr about singer Michael Jackson’s death.

Walliams quipped:

‘If it is wrong to share your bed with 13-year-old boys then lock me up and throw away the key,’

Lock was also on the panel, but appeared stone-faced in response to the remark, giving no indication that he found it funny.

The joke has attracted renewed scrutiny following allegations published in November 2026 by ITV News and The Guardian, in which multiple women accused Walliams of using his celebrity status and position of influence to pursue teenage girls and young women.

The allegations include accounts from two women who said they first met Walliams when they were 15. One woman alleged that he groomed her from the age of 15 and that they had sex when she was 17 and he was 34. Another alleged that he kissed and sexually touched her when she was 15.

Other allegations concern his conduct towards young women in the entertainment industry, including claims relating to Britain’s Got Talent and his former publisher, HarperCollins.

Walliams has denied the allegations, including claims of grooming and sexual predatory behaviour. In a statement, he said: “I am not a sexual predator” and insisted he had not broken the law.

There have been no police charges against Walliams, and reporting on the allegations has stated that there is no suggestion he is under police investigation. The Metropolitan Police has contacted ITV News and The Guardian to ensure potential victims know how to report any criminal allegations. <Cite refs={[“turn744197search6″,”turn744197search8″,”turn744197search5″,”turn744197search11”]}/>

What did Sean Lock say about Russell Brand?

Five years after the Walliams clip, Lock turned his attention to Russell Brand, delivering a furious criticism of the comedian and broadcaster.

The comments came after Brand urged people to stay away from polling stations before questioning who they should vote for. Lock was particularly angry about what he saw as Brand’s influence over people who were already disengaged from politics.

He said:

“Him saying stuff to people who are disaffected already and are not engaged with the political process and don’t vote is the most moronic, self-serving, pathetic bit of attention seeking w*** that has ever been spewed out of a moron’s f***ing mouth in history.

“Probably the reason I hate him so much is that I am a dad, and I have this fear that one day my daughters will bring something like that home.

“And he will come in and go so, ‘Oh such pleasure to be in your charming abode’.”

Lock’s remarks have been shared again in the wake of the criminal case against Brand, with viewers drawing attention to the comedian’s outspoken criticism.

Why is Russell Brand in prison?

Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on 9 November 2026, after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The offences involved four women and took place between 2004 and 2009. The verdicts followed a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Brand was cleared of two further counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault. He was taken into custody following the guilty verdicts and later received his prison sentence.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the sentence, while the Metropolitan Police said the convictions followed a major investigation into non-recent sexual offences. Brand also remains under investigation in relation to two further allegations of rape. <Cite refs={[“turn744197search1″,”turn744197search2″,”turn744197search9″,”turn744197news33”]}/>

What are the allegations against David Walliams?

The allegations against Walliams were made public following a three-year investigation by ITV News and The Guardian.

Several women have accused him of using his fame and position to pursue them when they were teenagers or young adults. One woman alleged that he sexually assaulted her when she was 15, while another said he groomed her from the age of 15 before they had a sexual relationship when she was 17.

The investigation also included allegations about his behaviour towards women working in television and publishing.

Walliams attempted to prevent the reporting from being published, but the High Court rejected his legal bid. He subsequently chose not to appeal, allowing the outlets to identify him and publish their findings.

He strongly denies being a sexual predator, denies grooming and says he has not broken the law. No criminal charges have been brought against him in relation to the allegations. <Cite refs={[“turn744197search8″,”turn744197search6″,”turn744197search12″,”turn744197search5”]}/>

Sean Lock’s comments have taken on a new significance

Lock died in August 2021 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He was widely regarded as one of Britain’s most distinctive stand-up comedians and became a familiar face on television through 8 Out of 10 Cats and its spin-off, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

His blunt response to Walliams’s joke and his later attack on Brand are now being revisited as allegations and criminal proceedings involving the two men dominate headlines.

The clips do not establish anything about the allegations themselves, but they have prompted viewers to look back at Lock’s willingness to challenge comments and behaviour he found objectionable, even when doing so meant going against the mood of a comedy panel.

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