Russell Brand Convicted Of Rape And Three Counts Of Sexual Assault

British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 51, has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London. The jury of eight men and four women deliberated for more than eight hours over two days before delivering the verdicts on Thursday. Brand was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault. He closed his eyes but showed no emotion as the jury delivered the verdicts, according to a report by AFP.

Prosecutors told the court that Brand was a ruthless, calculating, manipulative “sexual predator” who ignored women who told him “no.” They said the charges, which covered incidents between 1999 and 2009, spanned the years in which Brand rose from performing stand-up comedy in small venues to becoming a television presenter and Hollywood film star. “As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement,” the prosecution said. Brand had denied all seven charges, insisting that all his sexual encounters were consensual.

Brand said in the witness box that the criminal case had a devastating impact on his life and family. “My entire life has been consumed by these events, these allegations, these accusations,” he said. His lawyers argued that the alleged victims were undermined by the fact that they only went to police years after the alleged assaults and following the broadcast of a 2023 documentary that contained anonymous allegations against Brand. Brand testified that friends and colleagues had abandoned him. His wife, Laura, who accompanied him to court, testified as a character witness in his defence, but Brand said no one with relevant evidence was willing to give evidence on his behalf.

Judge Joel Bennathan remanded Brand into custody and said he faces a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced on Monday. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said the conviction was a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward. Police also confirmed that investigations into two further rape allegations against Brand remain ongoing.