Southwark court convicts Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault

A jury in Southwark Crown Court, London, returned verdicts on Thursday finding Russell Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The convictions stem from allegations involving four women that date back more than 20 years.

Judge Joel Bennathan stated that Brand would receive a prison term when sentencing is scheduled for Monday. The actor and comedian, who is 51 years old, was taken into custody immediately after the verdicts were read in court.

The jury consisted of eight men and four women. They deliberated for more than eight hours spread across two days before reaching their decision. The court also acquitted Brand of two other rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Brand denied the charges throughout the trial. He testified that while he was obsessed with sex and lived a promiscuous life as a young man, he never forced anyone to do anything against their will. His lawyers argued that the alleged victims were weakened as witnesses because they did not report the incidents to police until years after the alleged assaults occurred.

Defense attorneys noted that the reports to police followed the broadcast of a 2023 documentary featuring anonymous allegations against Brand. A prosecutor described Brand as a ruthless and calculating sexual predator during the proceedings. Brand said the criminal case had a devastating impact on his life and family, stating that his entire life had been consumed by the events and accusations.

Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s through risqué stand-up routines, television hosting roles, and a BBC radio show. He appeared in Hollywood films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. In recent years, he relocated to Florida and built a large online following with videos discussing wellness, conspiracy theories, and his religious devotion. His wife, Laura, accompanied him to court and testified as a character witness, though Brand said no one with relevant evidence was willing to give evidence on his behalf.