Russell Brand has been convicted of raping one fan and sexually assaulting three women, and is now in prison. The verdict was delivered at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, November 5, after the jury deliberated for eight and a half hours.
Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 9.
Victims' testimony and Brand's pursuit of sex
During the trial, his victims testified that Brand forced them into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of first meeting, using his fame to pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women. Best known as a stand-up comedian and Hollywood actor, Brand now faces years in prison.
Several celebrities had called out his behaviour before the crimes came to light.
Sean Lock's warning
Comedian Sean Lock, who died of cancer in 2021, previously said he would hate it if Brand went near his daughters, as reported by The Express. Speaking on an episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats, he said: "Probably the reason I hate him so much is because I'm a dad and I've got this fear that one day my daughters will bring something like that home."
In 2008, Lock called Brand a 'funny bloke' and a 'talented man', but noted he was a 'bad example' to rising comedians, as he made it appear that details of your personal life need to be 'sold and bartered for attention' to be successful.
Katherine Ryan's accusation
In September 2023, Brand was dropped from the Comedy Central series Roast Battle. It was reported that his co-star Katherine Ryan accused him of being a 'sexual predator' during recording. According to Deadline, sources said Katherine 'turned the heat' onto Brand in scenes that didn't air.
Speaking to Louis Theroux about working on Roast Battle, without naming Brand, Katherine said: "I - in front of loads of people, in the format of the show - said to this person's face that they are a predator."
Lorraine Kelly's recollection
ITV daytime star Lorraine Kelly recalled an appearance alongside Brand on The Graham Norton Show in 2007, when reports of allegations surfaced in 2023. She shared a clip from her talk show Lorraine, in which Brand touched his leg and said: "Oh my god, you're wearing suspenders. I have been in other films but none of that matters now I know Lorraine Kelly is a sl*t."
Lorraine noted that looking back at the clip made her feel uncomfortable. She said: "It's an entertainment show. That was his shtick... That's what he was not just doing, but actively encouraged to do. It's not that long ago, not really… I do wonder if I would have put up with that now. I do wonder if we are in a different place now and if it even would have been aired."
Katy Perry and Dannii Minogue
Before marrying Laura Gallacher in 2017, Brand was in a high-profile marriage to Katy Perry, which lasted 14 months between 2010 and 2011. Their divorce was finalised in 2012. After the marriage ended, Katy said Brand was 'controlling' and 'really hurtful'. She told 60 Minutes Australia in 2020: "It was just like a tornado. It was like everything happening at once."
Looking back on working with Brand on his MTV chat show, Dannii Minogue described him as a 'vile predator' in 2006. She said: "[Brand] is completely crazy and a bit of a vile predator. I certainly don't think he has cured his sex addiction, that's for sure. He wouldn't take no for an answer." Minogue said Brand kept making 'shocking remarks' during the interview, adding: "Just uttering the words would make me blush."
