Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2009 and sexually assaulting three other women following a trial in London. The verdict was delivered on Thursday by Judge Joel Bennathan, who announced that the 51-year-old would be sentenced to prison.
Brand originally faced three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one charge of attempted indecent assault. The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, spent more than eight hours over two days deliberating on the cases. They ultimately acquitted Brand of two rape counts and the attempted indecent assault charge, leaving him convicted of the remaining offences.
After reading the verdict, Judge Bennathan informed Brand that the consequence of his convictions would inevitably be a significant custodial term. The judge stated that his current view was to remand the defendant into custody immediately. Brand was denied bail and taken into custody, with his sentencing scheduled for Monday.
The allegations made by six women spanned a decade between 1999 and 2009. The jury found Brand guilty of specific incidents, including grabbing a woman's breasts at a party in London's Soho neighborhood in the summer of 2004. They also found him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at the London radio station Choice FM in either 2004 or 2005, and raping a woman at his home in Hampstead in 2009.
Brand appeared calm during the proceedings. He closed his eyes as the guilty verdict for the rape count was read but otherwise showed little emotion. When bail was denied, he gestured to his legal team that he was okay and repeatedly stated, "I'm good, I'm good, I'm good," before being led away.
During the trial, prosecutors described Brand as a ruthless, calculating, and manipulative sexual predator. Brand testified that while he had once led a promiscuous life, he had never forced anyone to do anything against their will. He emphasized his belief that consent is absolutely non-negotiable and described the criminal case as having a devastating impact on his life and family.
Brand's defense lawyers argued that the timing of the reports undermined the credibility of the alleged victims. They noted that the women went to the police years after the alleged assaults, following the broadcast of a 2023 documentary containing anonymous allegations against Brand. Brand suggested the reports were part of a coordinated attack linked to his growing prominence as an online wellness influencer and political commentator.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of London's Metropolitan Police praised the courage and resilience of the women who came forward. He stated that Brand used his influence, status, and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women, noting that his sense of entitlement grew as his profile increased. Furphy expressed hope that the conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their power or fame.
Ron Brand, the defendant's father, told the BBC that he was bemused and shocked by the outcome. He described the verdict as devastating and said he had not expected this result. Known for his risqué stand-up routines and battles with substance use, Brand rose to fame in the early 2000s through television hosting and Hollywood films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.
Judge Bennathan addressed the impact on Brand's children, acknowledging the hardship caused to them. However, the judge noted that this hardship was a result of the serious criminal offending by their father.
