Mark Pinheiro, who shared a flat with Russell Brand in London for 16 months from 1999, has spoken out about what he witnessed and is prepared to support any new victims who come forward. His comments feature in the new Netflix documentary, Russell Brand: Open Secret.
Pinheiro is urging more women to report alleged attacks by the 51-year-old Brand, who was jailed for ten and a half years after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Witness to alleged assault
Pinheiro recalled an alleged incident in which he heard a girl shout "let go of me", after which she reportedly "wrestled herself away from him (Brand)".
He described opening his door and seeing Brand holding a girl by the arm, trying to pull her back "like a tug of war". He said that when he switched on the light, Brand let go. "There's so many incidents that I can remember," he said.
Pinheiro said: "If you're out there and you're listening and you want to come forward, do come forward and I will support you. I'll say it now as I said it back then, 'I saw what happened'. It's not a he-said she-said argument... there was a third party to bear witness."
Friendship and later encounters
Pinheiro and Brand met in December 1998 before sharing a flat, and they spent several Christmas celebrations together. Their friendship waned around 2010 when Brand began dating Katy Perry.
Pinheiro last saw Brand during his Messiah Complex tour in 2015, where he was backstage and observed many girls queueing to meet him. He accused Brand's entourage of enabling his behaviour, saying they were "happy to tolerate it". He added: "I wasn't the only person who saw things. I was kind of disappointed more people didn't come forward."
Further allegations and ongoing investigations
Brand was jailed after a jury at Southwark Crown Court found him guilty on four counts, relating to offences against four women committed between 2004 and 2009.
Since the trial, a further six women have accused Brand of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour. These allegations could not legally be reported until the trial concluded. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are actively investigating two separate, additional rape allegations against Brand, one of which involves an allegation received in January this year.
