Russell Brand convicted of rape as Bear Grylls says ‘justice has now been served’
Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and three sexual assaults, and Bear Grylls — who stood beside him at his 2024 baptism — has now spoken publicly about the verdict.
A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London found the 51-year-old comedian and actor guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, BBC News reported. He was cleared of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault after a trial lasting about four weeks. The jury deliberated for around eight and a half hours.
The offences date from 2004 to 2009. The rape conviction relates to a woman Brand met after a 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo. The sexual assault convictions involve an MTV worker at a Soho bar in 2004, a Choice FM worker at the Capital Radio building in 2004 or 2005, and a Channel 4 worker in 2009. All of the women are entitled to lifelong anonymity.
Remanded in custody ahead of sentencing
The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, refused bail and told Brand to expect “a significant custodial term”. He is due back in court for sentencing on Monday. Brand had denied all the charges, insisting in evidence that the sex had always been consensual, and had argued he was the target of a media campaign.
It can also now be reported that the Metropolitan Police are investigating further rape allegations made by two other women. The force said that investigation “remains ongoing”.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy praised the “extraordinary courage” of the women who came forward, saying Brand had used “his influence, status and fame” to offend against them.
What Bear Grylls said
Grylls, the adventurer and presenter, drew attention in 2024 when he attended Brand’s private baptism in the River Thames, months after the allegations first surfaced in a joint investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches. Brand had previously appeared on Grylls’ show Running Wild.
In a post on X on Friday, reported by Variety and UNILAD, Grylls said Brand’s faith “seemed genuine to me at the time” and explained that he sees caring for people, including prisoners, as part of his own Christian calling. He added that “judgement is for the courts and God”.
He then addressed the outcome directly: “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.”
Brand’s sentencing on Monday is expected to draw heavy attention, with the judge having already signalled that a prison term will follow.
