Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Join todayAlready a member? Log in
Russell Brand is facing years behind bars after he was found guilty of one count of rape and three sexual assaults following a dramatic four-week trial.
Brand, now 51, preyed on women he encountered while becoming one of Britain’s best-known stand-up comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood movie star.
His victims told the trial how he had forced them into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of them first meeting, using his immense fame to pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women.
At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, a jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, after deliberating for eight and a half hours.
He was cleared by the jury of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
The comedian stood upright in the dock and showed limited emotion as the verdicts were delivered.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand the charges meant he faced “a custodial sentence of some length” when he is sentenced on Monday.
Det Supt Andy Furphy urged any other victims of rape or sex assault to report it.
He said: “I want to speak directly to anyone who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault.
“We understand that reporting these offences can feel incredibly difficult.
“Many victims are understandably apprehensive about contacting police and taking that first step.
“I hope today’s conviction demonstrates that allegations of sexual violence will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
“If you have been affected by this case, I would encourage you to speak to the police.
“You will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect.“
Analysis: In the court room, Brand was a shadow of his flamboyant self
Inside the courtroom, Russell Brand was a shadow of his flamboyant self
Channel 4 hails courage of women who gave evidence
In response to Russell Brand’s conviction, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the six women involved in the case against Russell Brand, including those affected by the crimes for which he has been convicted.
“We recognise the profound impact of these crimes and commend the extraordinary courage of all those who gave evidence as prosecution witnesses at trial.”
A 2023 documentary by Channel 4, and led to the police investigation.
Publisher pulls Brand's books from sale
Russell Brand’s publisher Pan Macmillan is withdrawing his books from sale following his conviction for rape and three counts of sexual assault, the publisher has announced.
A spokesperson for Pan Macmillan told : “Pan Macmillan is withdrawing Russell Brand’s books from sale following his conviction, and this process is under way now.
“We recognise the courage it took for those who came forward, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by his crimes.”
It follows a legal dispute between Brand and the publisher, over his failure to deliver two self-help books, reported in May.
Brand had written a first book about recovery from addiction.
From Katy Perry to drug addiction: What Brand trial jury didn't hear
Katy Perry was left out of the prosecution case against Russell Brand, while jurors were also blocked from hearing details of his addictions to alcohol and drugs.
Prosecutors wanted to mention Perry, Brand’s ex-wife, when opening the Southwark Crown Court case against the comedian and podcaster over allegations of rape and sexual assault during 10 years of his showbusiness career.
But the Grammy-nominated singer was removed from lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC’s speech after submissions made by Brand’s legal team.
Read more: