Russell Brand isn't happy with Graham Norton's line of questioning. Photo / AP
Russell Brand has blasted Graham Norton for bringing up his failed marriage to Katy Perry and making his mother cry during an interview.
After the 49-year-old presenter made the query, Russell refuted the claim that the issue "just came up".
He said: "It did not come up, mate. You brought it up."
Talking to fellow guests Emily Blunt, 29, and Paloma Faith, 26, the comedian claimed Graham had betrayed him.
He continued: "He upped the stakes and stabbed me in the back."
The host of The Graham Norton Show was criticised for mentioning the sensitive subject in front of the Rock Of Ages star's parent.
He complained: "My mum is here. She got upset earlier when you dragged up my marriage. I saw her cry.
"That's reality because it's real people, Graham, that's my real mum. That's why I was a little bit embarrassed when I saw my mum crying. I came here to promote a film and you made my mum cry. I don't see you as that sort of person, Graham."
Russell protested that Graham should have warned him before filming that he would mention his divorce after just 14 months with the pop star.
He said: "What I would have done mate is come up to me before the show and gone: 'Eh, listen. It's a bit odd that your ex-missus was on last week. I might mention it. Is that okay?' And I would have gone: 'Of course it is.'
"But in all of the chatting and the research, no-one mentioned it."
Graham retorted: "If I had not asked anything it would have been weird because Katy was on the show last week. That's the only reason."
The Sun reported Russell's rant was removed before the show went to air.
- Bang! Showbiz
The Australian site cited a 'heightened threat level' as the issue.