Russell Brand managed to upstage even comeback queen Britney with a series of controversial gags while hosting the MTV Video Music Awards last night.

The Brit comedian's outspoken presenting stint appears to have divided audiences into two camps: those who thought he was hilariously spot-on, and those who thought his near-the-knuckle jibes were in poor taste.

Here's Russell tackling the big issues at last night's event...

Russell on Racism.

After calling on the audience to vote for Barrack Obama: "Some people, I think they're called racists, say America is not ready for a black president.”

Russell on George Bush

"But I know America to be a forward thinking country because otherwise why would you have let that retard and cowboy fella be president for eight years.”

"We were very impressed. We thought it was nice of you to let him have a go, because, in England, he wouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors."

Russell on Teen Pregnancy

Referring to the boyfriend of U.S. vice-president hopeful Sarah Palin's pregnant 17-year-old daughter: "That is the safe sex message of all time. Use a condom or become a Republican!"

Russell on No-Sex-Before-Marriage

The comic continued to stun the audience by repeatedly joking about the Jonas Brothers, all of whom wear purity rings as a symbol of their vow not to have sex before marriage.

American Idol winner Jordin Sparks called Russ a "slut" when she came on stage, prompting him to apologise to the boy band.

He said: "I didn't mean to take it lightly" before adding, "a little sex once and a while never hurt anybody."

Be sure to tell us what you thought of Russell's VMAs performance!