Victims of Russell Brand have described the lasting impact of his crimes in statements read out at Southwark crown court by the prosecutor, Riel Karmy-Jones, on Monday. The four women, one of whom read out her own statement from behind a screen, detailed how the assaults left them feeling 'traumatised', 'humiliated' and unsafe.
Sexual assault at a birthday party
A woman who was sexually assaulted at a birthday party in Soho, London, in 2004, with Brand grabbing her breasts, read out her own statement. She said she was in 'complete shock and turmoil for weeks trying to process what had happened' and that it 'really affected how I viewed myself'.
'I literally lost any love for myself for a long time, thinking that I was damaged goods,' she said. She added that she felt 'visibly sick at the sight of him parading around thinking he can get away with anything' as his star rose.
The woman described having a panic attack after seeing front pages about the case and receiving 'accusations and death threats from manic supporters of him on social media'. She said the last three years have been 'a massive strain on myself and my family'.
Assault at a radio station
A woman who was sexually assaulted at a radio station after Brand squeezed her breasts and forcibly kissed him said the incident had 'a lasting impact on my life'. She said hearing his voice or seeing his image made her jump, and it affected her work and relationships with male colleagues, especially during the #MeToo movement.
Between 2023 and 2024 she experienced serious health issues, underwent heart checks that came back normal, and was advised she had serious anxiety and to seek therapy. She said she almost withdrew from the case as she did not think she was strong enough emotionally to proceed.
'Russell Brand is a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life,' she said. 'I just hope that he is not allowed to hurt any more women.'
Rape at a London townhouse
A woman who was anally raped by Brand at his London townhouse after he picked her out from a crowd after one of his gigs at the Hammersmith Apollo in early 2009 said she felt 'anxious, humiliated and overwhelmed' and had to take time away from work and return to live with her parents.
'It is something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending,' she said. She described a fear that she may have contracted HIV, which had 'a profound effect on my mental health', and a three-month wait for test results.
She said his fame, wealth and influence created 'a power imbalance which made me feel powerless', and that she did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened. The media coverage added another layer of difficulty, and she found it upsetting to be labelled as 'merely an obsessive fan'.
Assault during a Channel 4 filming project
A woman who was sexually assaulted during a filming project at Channel 4 when Brand placed his head in her lap as she gave him a massage said she felt she lost trust in people and that her working environment wasn't safe. She said that after the incident she spoke up, but it was 'brushed under the carpet by senior management'.
She said the process of reporting to police and going through trial was 'exceedingly difficult' and that she had to step back from work commitments. 'I finally feel believed but I am still so anxious,' she said. 'I worry that there will be repercussions for telling the truth.'
'I am proud of myself for speaking up and I would not change what I did supporting the investigation,' she added. 'I have a huge respect for every woman who took part and I think they are incredible.'
