Meghan Markle Pulled Into Russell Brand Scandal After Comedian Revives Claim He ‘Snogged’ the Duchess During Hollywood Film

A resurfaced television appearance has brought Meghan Markle’s name into the headlines surrounding Russell Brand’s criminal case. The comedian once told a British talk show that he had kissed the future Duchess of Sussex while filming a Hollywood comedy — but his own account suggested it was a scripted moment, not a romantic encounter.

Brand made the claim during a 2018 appearance on ITV’s Loose Women, shortly before Meghan married Prince Harry. Asked whether he had kissed her, he replied: “As a matter of fact, it is.”

The Kiss Brand Claimed Happened on Set

Brand, who was 51 at the time of the article’s publication, said the encounter took place while they were working on the 2010 comedy Get Him to the Greek.

He quickly qualified his answer, telling the studio audience: “But let me say, before we get carried away. She was in a film that I was in, Get Him to the Greek – it was a good film.”

He then admitted he did not clearly remember the moment until he apparently saw footage from the production years later.

“I don’t remember the film that much – I think I planted one on her in the scene,” he said.

Brand stressed that the supposed kiss was part of the film’s storyline. He added: “I only know this because I think I saw a clip of it somewhere. Meghan Markle, there we go.”

At the time, Meghan was known for her role in Suits, rather than the royal profile she would later acquire. She was credited with a small part in Get Him to the Greek, although her appearance was cut from the final theatrical release.

There is no independent confirmation that the kiss took place beyond Brand’s account, and Meghan has never publicly addressed his comments.

Brand Sentenced to 10 Years and Six Months

The old interview has resurfaced following Brand’s conviction and prison sentence.

He was found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others in a case involving offences committed between 1999 and 2009. At Southwark Crown Court, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan sentenced him to 10 years and six months in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, the judge described Brand as a “sexual predator” and criticised what he called his “staggering arrogance” towards the women.

Brand’s wife, Laura, and his father, Ron, attended the hearing. As he was led away, he mouthed “I love you” to his partner.

Victims Describe the Lasting Damage

The court heard emotional statements from women describing the impact of Brand’s offences.

One complainant said: “Russell Brand is a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has affected my life. I just hope that he is not allowed to hurt any more women.”

The judge also considered mitigating factors when determining the sentence, including Brand’s charitable work supporting people with addiction problems and the absence of reported offending during the preceding 17 years.

In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Bennathan reflected on how Brand’s public image had changed.

“In many people’s eyes you were funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator. Your status protected you until 2023, when journalists collected and published allegations.”

He also said that public allegations had encouraged other women to come forward with accounts of his conduct.

The judge made clear, however, that he had disregarded allegations from a documentary and allegations in the recent trial on which the jury had not reached guilty verdicts.

The resurfaced Meghan Markle anecdote is separate from the criminal proceedings. Brand’s account of a supposed on-set kiss remains uncorroborated, and it has no stated connection to the offences for which he was convicted.