British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court.
The 51-year-old was convicted on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault relating to incidents between 1999 and 2009. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faced a lengthy prison sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Monday, November 9. Brand was taken into custody ahead of a bail application.
Brand, who previously rose to prominence as a comedian, television presenter and Hollywood actor, had denied the allegations. During the proceedings, he maintained that the encounters had been consensual or that the accounts had been misrepresented.
Prosecutors described Brand as a ruthless sexual predator, presenting evidence from six women who gave accounts of alleged assaults spanning a decade.
The most serious conviction concerned an incident in 2009. The complainant told the court that she had initially engaged in consensual sexual activity with Brand but was subsequently raped by him. She also described the aftermath of the incident.
Brand was also convicted over an incident at a London bar in 2004, when a woman told the court he had approached her at a party and grabbed her breasts.
Another conviction related to an incident in 2009 involving a woman working on a promotional project with Brand. The court heard that he had demanded a massage before putting his head between her legs, in front of two colleagues.
A further conviction concerned an alleged assault in 2004 or 2005 involving a woman employed by a radio station.
The complainants, who are legally entitled to lifelong anonymity, came forward following a television documentary and press investigations published in 2023. Although the women did not know one another, their allegations prompted a police investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings.
Brand became one of Britain’s most recognisable entertainment personalities through stand-up comedy, television and film appearances, including roles in Get Him to the Greek and Arthur. He was also previously married to American singer Katy Perry.
The verdict marks a significant development in a case that has attracted considerable public attention and raised wider questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
Brand is expected to return to court on Monday for sentencing, when the judge will determine the punishment for the four offences of which he has been convicted.