Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand, the British actor-comedian, has been convicted on Thursday of rape and sexual assault charges dating back over two decades. Judge Joel Bennathan announced on Monday that the 51-year-old will face a prison sentence. The prosecutor described Brand as a "ruthless, calculating, manipulative sexual predator." The actor refused to admit guilt, arguing that he was merely promiscuous in his youth.

The jury in Southwark Crown Court deliberated for more than eight hours over two days, convicting him on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women; he was acquitted on two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand was previously acquitted of one rape count and one count of attempted indecent assault.

The jury comprised eight men and four women. Brand, known for his risqué stand-up routines and battles with drugs and alcohol, gained prominence in the early 2000s, hosting TV programs and his own BBC radio show. He starred in Hollywood films such as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek," and was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry.

In recent years, he has distanced himself from mainstream media, moved to Florida, and amassed a significant online following with wellness, conspiracy theory, and religious devotion topics. The criminal case has had a devastating impact on Brand's life and family, he said. The alleged victims only came forward years after the alleged assaults, following a 2023 documentary containing anonymous allegations against him.

Brand's lawyers argued that the alleged victims were undermined by the late reporting and the documentary. No one with relevant evidence, including friends and colleagues, was willing to testify on his behalf, according to Brand. His wife, Laura, testified as a character witness in his defense during court proceedings.