Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault as Bear Grylls Speaks Out on Faith and Justice
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Russell Brand, a prominent comedian and actor, has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault of four women on Thursday following a four-week trial.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a jury at London's Southwark Crown Court unanimously found Russell Brand guilty of seven sexual offense charges. In addition to the charges he was found guilty on, Brand was acquitted of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault, which was previously reduced from indecent assault amid the trial.
"Today's verdict is first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
“Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible," the statement continued.
“Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be," the police added.
Also in their statement on the Brand verdict, the police department urged others "who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault to speak to us. You will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect."
Brand was found guilty of the sexual assaults of four women between 2004 and 2009. The first alleged incident took place in 2004, when Brand groped an MTV worker at a Soho bar party; in 2005, he kissed and groped a Capitol Radio worker, The Christian Post reported. Two separate incidents took place in 2009, when Brand allegedly raped a 21-year-old fan who met him at his home following a stand-up and allegedly forced a Channel worker to give him a massage.
According to prosecutors, Brand was portrayed as a "ruthless sexual predator" who used his fame and status to victimize women. However, he has denied the charges from six women, as well as the “very serious criminal allegations” laid against him. Although Brand acknowledged he was "very, very promiscuous" in the past, his sexual encounters were "always consensual."
Brand currently remains in custody until he is sentenced on Nov. 9 and potentially faces life in prison on the rape conviction. Judge Joel Bennathan also told Brand he would be given a "custodial sentence of some length.”
In recent years, Brand became outspoken about his faith after he converted to Christianity, including being baptized in the River Thames in April 2024 by the help of fellow Christian and TV host Bear Grylls and partook in his first communion a month later. In an interview in 2025, Brand claimed God used his addiction as well as demonic attacks to draw him to Himself.
On Friday, Grylls issued a statement in response to the trial, stating that despite baptizing Brand, “justice has been served.”
“Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism. I have attended a few now,” Grylls stated on X. “Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes. It’s part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone. It is the sick that need healing. Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn’t want to ever discourage someone’s coming to faith.”
“It is right that justice has now been served. I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Benjamin Cremel
Originally published November 06, 2026.
