The victim of Russell Brand's rape has described the media coverage of the case as adding "another layer of difficulty," saying she was "unprepared for the level of publicity" as the disgraced comedian faces sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.
Last week, Brand was found guilty of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers. He was told by the judge to expect a significant jail term and has spent the last three nights at HMP Wandsworth in South London.
Victim's Statement Read in Court
The rape victim's statement, read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, described the ordeal as "extremely distressing to relive what happened and then see it discussed so widely across television, newspapers and online platforms."
"I have been worried throughout that my identity, or the identities of my family members, could become known," she added. "The intensity of media interest has created anxieties that are separate from the rape and has made it much harder to put the experience behind me."
The statement detailed how Brand's public profile had a significant impact on her. "I did not know who I could trust or confide in. I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed. His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless," she said.
Impact on Daily Life
The victim said she felt "anxious, humiliated and overwhelmed" following the incident. "I struggled to eat and sleep, and I found it difficult to cope with my emotions," her statement read. "The impact was so significant that I had to take time away from work, and for a period I returned to live with my parents because I did not feel safe and felt unable to cope on my own."
She added that she has become "hypervigilant" since the attack, frequently analysing the behaviour of other people and avoiding certain situations. "There were periods where I increased my alcohol consumption to block out my feelings and memories," she said.
Prosecution Submits Highest Category of Harm
The prosecution has submitted that Brand should be sentenced as having committed the highest category of harm. Ms Karmy-Jones told the court that "in terms of harm this is a case where the offence falls into category 1," citing "severe psychological harm" and the victim's fear of HIV infection "particularly as Mr Brand removed the condom without consent during the course of the anal rape."
The court heard that Brand subjected the 21-year-old fan to "degradation and humiliation," including requiring her to shower and brush her teeth and commenting after the offence that she needed to clean up the mess she had made before directing her to wipes. Ms Karmy-Jones said the victim was "particularly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances," the age disparity between the pair when Brand was 33, and her "admiration and idealisation" of the celebrity.
