Brand received death threat for US jibes

Russell Brand received death threats following his appearance on the American MTV awards.

The comic stirred up controversy during the show by referring to George Bush as a "retarded cowboy", and mocking the Jonas Brothers about their promise rings. Brand, who later apologised for the virginity gag, spoke about the fervent reaction on Chris Moyles's Radio 1 show.

"If you are going to kill someone, don't give them advance notice, which gives you a chance to prepare. These Christian Republicans were watching me and thought, 'Well this is no good, I shall do a death threat'," he said.

"How can you, while watching the telly, think, 'Oh I don't enjoy this, no I'm not enjoying this at all,' then think, 'Right I'm going to kill him?' That's a huge jump."

Brand recently signed up to star along with Helen Mirren in a new screen adaptation of The Tempest, saying of Dame Helen "she drives me wild". He has also agreed to return to the US for a one-hour stand-up special with US channel Comedy Central, to be aired next year.