A cover image for the New Statesman featuring Russell Brand as Christ has drawn criticism. The image, which recreates Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, places Brand at the head of the table with editors of the magazine depicted as disciples. Brand guest-edited an issue of the publication in 2013.
According to reports, the image was shared and subsequently deleted. Writer Kate Maltby reportedly claimed she was told not to criticize Brand's involvement with the magazine if she wished to be commissioned by them. Brand's opening piece for the issue reportedly included lines such as 'When I was asked to edit an issue of the New Statesman I said yes because it was a beautiful woman asking me.' He also wrote about his appreciation for female beauty.