Actor Russell Brand found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault
The 51-year-old British comedian was remanded in custody following the jury's verdict. He faces a lengthy sentence, which will be announced next Monday.
British comedian and actor Russell Brand leaves the courthouse
The British actor and comedian Russell Brand was found guilty Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women, following a trial held in London over allegations related to incidents that occurred more than two decades ago.
The verdict was handed down by a jury at Southwark Crown Court, which acquitted the artist of two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault, according to reports by The New York Post and the Reuters.
Brand, 51, had rejected all the charges and maintained throughout the trial that his sexual encounters were consensual. Although he acknowledged having led a promiscuous life during his youth, he denied ever forcing any woman to have sex against her will.
After the jury's verdict was announced, Judge Joel Bennathan ordered him to be held in pretrial detention and warned that he could face a substantial sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9.
Allegations dating back more than two decades
The trial, which lasted approximately four weeks, examined allegations from six women regarding incidents that occurred between 1999 and 2009, when Brand was beginning to establish his career in British television, radio and show business.
During the trial, the prosecution portrayed the comedian as a sexual predator who allegedly used his growing fame and influence to take advantage of women.
As detailed by The Guardian, the accusers described a pattern of behavior in which Brand would switch from being charming to adopting aggressive and intimidating attitudes.
The defense questioned the credibility of the allegations and argued that some encounters had been reinterpreted years later, especially following the publication of a journalistic investigation into the actor's sexual conduct in 2023.
The jury, however, found him guilty on four of the seven charges considered.
From Hollywood star to facing a prison sentence
Brand achieved international fame as a host, comedian, and actor, with appearances in films such as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Get Him to the Greek" and "Arthur." He was also known for his marriage to American singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
In recent years, he had shifted his career toward social media, where he built a large following with content covering political opinion, current events and criticism of the mainstream media.
The first public allegations against him emerged in September 2023, following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and the television program Dispatches, on Channel 4.
According to The Associated Press, Thursday's conviction marks the conclusion of one of the most high-profile sexual assault trials in the United Kingdom in recent years.
The London Metropolitan Police are also investigating two other allegations of rape against the comedian, while the prosecution is evaluating the available evidence.
Brand will remain in custody until the court determines his sentence next Monday.
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