Nicole Scherzinger Faces Backlash for Comment on Russell Brand Post

Nicole Scherzinger is facing a backlash on social media for liking a post from Russell Brand, the controversial comedian-turned-podcaster who is facing a number of sexual assault allegations.

On his personal Instagram, Brand posted a picture of himself holding a hat that said “Make Jesus First Again,” seemingly an allusion to the Trump campaign’s MAGA hat and also a reference to Brand’s recent conversion to Christianity.

In screengrabs that circulated online, Scherzinger appeared to have replied to the picture with the comment, “Where do I get this hat!!!?” Scherzinger’s comment is no longer on the post. 

This week, U.K. detectives investigating sexual assault allegations against Brand have asked prosecutors in the country to consider bringing charges against the former comedian. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received “a number of allegations of sexual offenses in London” and elsewhere in the U.K. following a joint investigation into Brand by Channel 4’s Dispatches program as well as The Times of London and The Sunday Times of London newspapers in September 2023. Dispatches aired extensive allegations, including claims of rape and sexual assault, against Brand.

Brand has denied all claims made against him, which date between 2006 and 2013, when the 49-year-old was at the height of his fame.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Scherzinger’s reps for comment on the post.

The controversy comes as Scherzinger is receiving rave reviews and attracting strong awards buzz for her performance in the Sunset Blvd. revival on Broadway. In a glowing review, The Hollywood Reporter‘s David Rooney wrote that, “Many wondered if the performer, made famous by early 2000s girl group the Pussycat Dolls, was too young, or if she had the stage presence and acting chops for the role. But those concerns vanish almost from the moment she’s hoisted by the chorus into the spotlight during Lloyd’s amusing live-capture opening credits, just as the title appears in the boldest of red fonts.”

Reps for Sunset Blvd. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Comments on Sunset Blvd. appear to have been disabled, but many Broadway fans took to Scherzinger’s personal Instagram to express their dismay for what they believe is her positive stance toward Trump.

“You don’t get to come into our community and spread your nonsense,” one comment read. 

The production, which opened on Broadway on Oct. 23, transferred to New York after a successful run in London’s West End.