Russell Brand faces the possibility of further criminal charges after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault, with prosecutors now assessing allegations that he raped two more women.
The 51-year-old comedian was convicted on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against women he encountered while rising to fame as a stand-up comedian and Hollywood actor. He was cleared of two further rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
Ongoing police investigation
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that investigations are ongoing into two allegations of rape made against Brand. At pre-trial court hearings, it was revealed that one of the complaints comes from a woman who dated Brand when he was 30 years old and she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
A police spokesperson said: “The Met’s investigation into allegations of rape made by two women remains ongoing. The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations. Files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to both complainants. Detectives remain in close contact with prosecutors as inquiries continue and further investigative work is carried out.”
Court proceedings and further accusers
The possibility of additional charges was raised in court hearings in March and May, when Brand’s legal team sought assurances that new charges would not be brought shortly before the trial. “There may be additional complainants in this case,” said defence barrister Ian Winter KC. “That may have an impact on the argument the defence wishes to run.”
At the May hearing, Mr Justice Bennathan set out that there are two new accusers, and prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC confirmed they “would not seek to join any further complainants to this trial”. In legal argument in October before the trial began at Southwark Crown Court, Karmy-Jones KC set out that the allegations are still under investigation.
In 2023, Brand was first publicly accused of sexual misconduct by a series of women in reporting by the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches. One accuser, given the alias “Alice”, alleged she had been mistreated by Brand when she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Alice said Brand had called her “The Child” when they were together. She said: “It was my first sexual experience, I felt used up, I felt cheap, I felt dirtied by the whole thing.” The woman said her education was derailed and she developed an eating disorder.
Sentencing and reaction
Brand displayed no emotion as the guilty verdicts were read, other than to close his eyes when the rape conviction was announced. He loudly replied “yes My Lord” when he was remanded into custody, having been told he will receive a lengthy sentence. Before entering the dock, Brand said “I love you” to his wife Laura Gallacher, who left the building soon after the verdicts.
Winter KC made a plea for Brand to be given bail over the weekend as an “act of humanity” so he could say goodbye to his children, but the judge refused over fears he would flee. Brand now faces a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced on Monday next week.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, paid tribute to the “extraordinary courage, resilience and determination” of the women who spoke out. He said: “Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible. Brand used his influence, status and fame to prey on and exploit women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be.”
