Brand apologises for Jonas VMAs gag

Russell Brand has apologised to the Jonas Brothers for making a joke about their virginity at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The British comic, who hosted last night's show from Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, was called a s*** by singer Jordin Sparks for mocking the brothers' promise rings.

She said of Brand's remarks: "It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut."

Brand later retracted his Jonas Brothers gag, saying: "I've got to say sorry because I said them things about promise rings. That were bad of me, I didn't mean to take it lightly, or whatever.

"I love the Jonas Brothers, think they're really good. I don't want to p*** off teenage fans, all right. In fact, quite the opposite. So promise rings, I'm well up for it, well done."

Brand's act stirred up controversy at the US awards show, where he referred to George Bush as a "retarded cowboy" in his opening monologue.

> The full list of winners at this year's MTV Video Music Awards