Russell Brand Found Guilty of Rape and Sexual Assault After Trial

Convictions and custody

Brand was found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults on Thursday. Judge Joel Bennathan said the offences would bring a significant prison term and said he had to remand Brand into custody.

Bennathan told Brand that the convictions included rape, according to CBS News partner BBC. The article does not provide a sentencing date or the length of the term.

Allegations across a decade

Six women made allegations concerning events between 1999 and 2009. The convictions concern one woman’s rape in 2009 and sexual assaults against three other women. During the trial, a prosecutor characterized Brand as a calculating sexual predator. The article does not identify the prosecutor by name.

Dispute over reporting

Brand’s lawyers argued that the women’s accounts were weakened because they went to police years after the alleged assaults. They also pointed to the 2023 documentary, which included anonymous allegations against Brand.

Women featured in the documentary said reporters approached them before they felt ready to tell their stories. Some cited Brand’s online fame as part of what influenced their decision to speak.

Impact and public response

Brand said the criminal case had a devastating effect on his life and family. The article does not include further details about his response to the verdict. A speaker quoted in the article said Brand had used his influence, status and fame to exploit women, and expressed hope the conviction would show that fame does not place anyone above the law. The speaker is not identified in the article.