Russell Brand Explains Why He Bailed On SXSW Appearance

Russell Brand was originally planning to attend the SXSW premiere of his biographical documentary, “Brand: A Second Coming,” but had a change of heart.

Hours before the film screened at the Austin, Texas festival on Friday night, Russell posted a statement on his website, suddenly excusing himself from the event.

“You’d think a narcissist would like nothing more than talking about themselves and their ‘rags to riches’, ‘hard luck’ story but actually, it felt like, to me, my life was hard enough the first time round and going through it again was painful and sad,” he said.

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The actor explained that the film was seven years in the making and took several directors to complete the project, eventually handing the reins over to filmmaker Ondi Timoner.

“Ondi is a very beautiful person and a director of peerless integrity, I suppose what I didn’t consider was that in letting go of the film, I was agreeing to be the subject of a biography. Posthumously this is a great honor but while you’re alive, oddly intrusive and melancholy,” he said, adding, “I know Ondi is an artist and I’m told the film is good but for me watching it was very uncomfortable.”

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In response to Russell’s statement, Ondi took to Twitter to share her thoughts.

“I’ll miss you here @SXSW Russ,” she Tweeted, along with the photo of herself with the comedian.

@onditimoner @sxsw @rustyrockets great pic of Ondi and the Ondi Timoner of Comedic Personalties, the compelling Russell Brand

— Chad Troutwine (@ChadTroutwine) March 13, 2015

Russell ended his statement by expressing his apologies to the event’s organizers for his last minute cancelation.

“I apologise sincerely to the organisers of sxsw for my non-attendance, especially Janet Pierson, Brian Solis and Rynda Laurel from the interactive festival who were responsible for the keynote talk that I was due to do,” he said.

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Janet also Tweeted that Russell’s absence will be felt and that she appreciated his formal explanation.

“We’ll miss seeing you here. Thank you for explaining. @rustyrockets,” the Head of SXSW Film Tweeted.

Ondi Timoner and Janet Pierson, SXSW Film Festival Director, attend the premiere of ‘BRAND: A Second Coming’ during the 2015 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Paramount Theatre on March 13, 2015 in Austin, Texas (Getty)

The premiere went on as planned Friday night in Austin, with Ondi, Janet and guests all smiles on the red carpet.

— Paige Feigenbaum