Russell Brand bragged that having sex with multiple women was part of the "lineage of celebrated male behaviour" that "defined famous men", according to statements made for a US civil lawsuit.
The 51-year-old former comedian and actor was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. He is expected to be sentenced in the UK on Monday (November 9).
Claims in US civil case
As reported by The Sun, Brand also claimed he knew about consent because he had been "in a lot of bathrooms with people he doesn’t know very well". Just days before his conviction in the UK, documents revealed that Brand filed a motion to delay the civil proceedings in the US.
His team argued that the cases could overlap and he has a "reasonable belief that criminal prosecution is possible in the United States". Following his guilty verdicts in London, legal experts have indicated he faces a high risk of US legal actions, originating in Los Angeles and New York.
New York lawsuit details
In New York, a woman claims to have been sexually assaulted by Brand on the set of the 2011 comedy film Arthur. He was married to pop star Katy Perry at the time of the alleged attack. It's reported Brand exposed himself to her before following her into the bathroom, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her before leaving.
The case is set to go to trial in the US next March. However, the exact date could be delayed after a judge in the UK warned Brand he can expect a lengthy prison sentence.
Judge's comments and further statements
According to Judge Adam Silvera, Brand claimed his conduct was "part of the lineage of celebrated male behaviour that defined famous men" while being questioned by lawyers. He also said he was "very adept and sensitive to whether a woman is consenting to his sexual relations."
Brand is also quoted to have said he had "a lot of experience sleeping with strangers" and that he found himself "in a lot of bathrooms with people he doesn’t know very well".
The judge said in a court document: "A jury may find that it was reasonably foreseeable that a sex addict, self-described womaniser, who was known for crossing the line when it came to both workplace rules as well as societal convention, who had exposed himself previously, and was considered by at least one co-worker to be a ticking time bomb, when hired to be the lead role and executive producer of a movie may ultimately cause the type of injury that plaintiff, an extra in the movie, alleged."
Brand and Warner Bros deny the allegations made by the woman.
