Russell Brand has blasted Comic Relief in a foul-mouthed rant.

The controversial 39-year-old comedian took aim at the comedy show - which has raised more than £1 billion over a 30-year timeframe - saying he felt ''compromised'' by taking part in the cause.

Speaking at cafe The Proud Archivist in east London, Russell said: ''Is it right to do Comic Relief? Plus is any f***er watching it?

''Those were the questions I was asking myself as I walked out confidently on to the Palladium stage. And the answer is, 'No, not really.' ''

Russell also questioned whether raising money for charity is the solution or whether it is instead a ''burden'' placed on ''ordinary people''.

According to The Sun newspaper, he said: ''Is charity part of the problem? Ultimately taking responsibility away from the centralised powers of created government, corporations, and alleviating that stress and tension by placing the burden once more on ordinary people.''

Russell stirred controversy during Comic Relief when he joked about using syringes during his drug-taking days.

He quipped: ''I'm in the unfortunate position of having to ask you to donate money to buy syringes, literally the exact opposite of how I spend most of my time, and the previous two decades of my life.''