Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assaults

British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 51, was found guilty on Thursday at Southwark Crown Court in London of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The jury acquitted him of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand, who denied all accusations throughout the trial, claimed that any sexual contact was consensual or mischaracterized. The offenses occurred between 1999 and 2009, a period during which Brand ascended from a stand-up comedian to a prominent television and film star.

The criminal investigation began in September 2023 following media reports of abuse allegations. The case involved testimony from six anonymous complainants who alleged a pattern of abuse during the peak of the actor's career. Prosecutors characterized the defendant as a predatory figure. Following the verdict, Judge Joel Bennathan remanded Brand into custody and scheduled the sentencing for Monday, warning that the convictions will result in a lengthy prison term.