Full Interview
Brand: "So, Tucker, you're quite a figure in American media. Known for not mincing words. What's your take on the January 6th riots at the Capitol?"
Carlson: "Russell, it was an attack on our democracy. These people tried to overturn the results of a legitimate election. It was chaotic, violent, and unacceptable."
Brand: "I see where you're coming from, Tucker, but could this event not be seen as a symptom of a deeper malaise? People seem tired of feeling unheard and marginalized."
Carlson: "Sure, people are frustrated. But it doesn't justify their actions. They violated the law, Russell."
Brand: "Yes, the event was tragic, and the violence deplorable. But we must ask ourselves, what are the roots of this anger? Is it not more dangerous to ignore the causes and focus solely on the symptoms?"
Carlson: "But you can't let people express their anger through violence. There are ways to address these grievances without resorting to violence."
Brand: "I agree, Tucker, violence is not the answer. But perhaps these 'ways' aren't serving everyone. When these channels fail, people might feel they have no choice but to resort to more desperate measures."
Carlson: "So, you're suggesting it's the fault of political leaders and the system?"
Brand: "Not only them, Tucker. It's about the media, big corporations, and the elites that benefit from the current system. It's a systemic issue, and when systems fail, it breeds discontent."
Carlson: "It sounds like you're talking about a revolution, Russell."
Brand: "A revolution of thought, Tucker. A revolution of compassion, understanding, and systemic change. We don't need violence, we need empathy and open dialogue."
Carlson: "So, empathy for the rioters?"
Brand: "Understanding their frustration and addressing the underlying issues, yes. Empathy isn't endorsing their actions; it's a step towards resolving the issues."
Carlson: "But, what about the rule of law? It's what keeps society from falling into chaos."
Brand: "True, law and order are essential. But so is justice. Justice that is blind to wealth, status, and power. Isn't that the kind of society we should aim for, Tucker?"
Carlson: "You want to change the system."
Brand: "Change is inevitable, Tucker. The question is whether it will be a change for the better or for the worse. And for that, we all need to participate in the conversation."
Russel Brand: Well, I'm curious about your perspective on what happened that day. You've been very critical of the media's coverage of the riots, and you've said that they've been trying to paint a false narrative about what happened.
Tucker Carlson: That's right. The media has been lying about what happened on January 6th. They've been trying to portray it as a violent insurrection, when in reality it was just a peaceful protest that got out of hand.
Russel Brand: But there was violence that day. People were killed, and the Capitol was overrun.
Tucker Carlson: Yes, there was some violence, but it was not widespread. And the vast majority of the people who were there were peaceful protesters.
Russel Brand: But what about the people who broke into the Capitol and vandalized it?
Tucker Carlson: Those people were wrong to do what they did, but they don't represent the majority of the people who were there.
Russel Brand: So you're saying that the January 6th riots were not a big deal?
Tucker Carlson: I'm saying that they've been blown out of proportion by the media. They're trying to make it seem like this was an attempt to overthrow the government, when in reality it was just a bunch of people who got angry and took things too far.
Tucker Carlson: That's your opinion, Russel. But I think the media is trying to use the January 6th riots to divide the country and silence dissent. The facts are that the January 6th riots were a peaceful protest that got out of hand. And the media is trying to distort those facts to fit their own agenda.
S5E27 Crossfire Chat: Russell Brand and Tucker Carlson Discuss the January 6 Riots: The Firebrand and the Fox: Brand's Brainstorm: Russell Brand and Tucker Carlson Converse on the January 6 Riots