Russell Brand accused of ‘sexist’ parenting style, after admitting his wife Laura ‘does all of it’

'I’m not willing to fight any of the battles'

Olivia Petter
Monday 21 January 2019 10:30 GMT
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Russell Brand recently admitted he has never spent 24 hours in sole charge of his children
Russell Brand recently admitted he has never spent 24 hours in sole charge of his children (Getty Images)

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Russell Brand has never spent 24 hours in sole charge of his children, the comedian revealed in a recent interview.

His comments have prompted accusations of sexist and old-fashioned parenting, given that he said he leaves the majority of the responsibility to his wife, Laura Gallacher, with whom he has two daughters, Mabel, two, and Peggy, six months.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, Brand said Gallacher would never leave him alone with the children for more than one day because “she respects and cares for them too much”.

The actor and comedian also confessed he is “not so good” when it comes to basic parental duties, such as changing nappies and being in charge at mealtimes.

“When I looked after Mabel on her own, she dropped two social classes in an hour,” he told interviewer Decca Aitkenhead.

“In no time at all we’re in a coffee shop, she’s just got a nappy on, she’s covered in stuff because I’m not willing to fight any of the battles.”

Brand, 31, went on to praise Gallacher’s parenting skills, describing her as “astonishing”.

Asked why he doesn’t take on more of the practical tasks of parenting, the Get Him To The Greek star said he’s “still of a romantic and reflective [...] disposition,” adding that he often feels “inept” when looking after his youngest child.

His comments have garnered swathes of criticism on social media, with people calling on Brand to take on more responsibility at home.

Laura is better at it because she has no choice. Someone has to step up and take responsibility for keeping your child alive and nurturing them into a well rounded, clean and fed human being!” wrote one person on Twitter.

Another added:“Imagine if mothers (and Russell Brand’s partner) refused to change nappies, remember snacks for their toddlers and do BASIC PARENTING because of being ‘romantic & reflective’.

“Turns out Russell Brand is just a big old fashioned sexist.”

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