Russell Brand's crude remark about Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly at the 2006 GQ Man of the Year awards has resurfaced after the disgraced comedian was convicted of rape.
While collecting the award for Most Stylish, Brand directed an inappropriate remark towards Stewart, who was present in the audience. He said: "Here's to Rod Stewart who had a go at me earlier this year for too much womanising. But then again I did have a go on his daughter."
Stewart's Response on Stage
Stewart was subsequently brought on stage to receive an award for Outstanding Achiever, and he took his chance to respond to Brand. He asked, "You went with my daughter, did you?" before instructing Brand to "stand up".
Brand retreated, claiming he "took her out for one evening", to which Stewart replied: "Did you behave yourself?" Brand then withdrew again: "I never touched that girl."
Stewart fired back: "F****** right, you didn't. You mustn't come up here and boast. I speak here as a father."
Conviction and Court Proceedings
Two decades on, Brand has been convicted of rape and sexual assault. The court heard how Brand had exploited his celebrity status to relentlessly pursue his ambition of sex with 5,000 women.
Southwark Crown Court was told how Brand, who previously bragged he would not stop in his quest for sex before achieving his "birthright orgasm", disregarded appeals from women for him to cease.
Six women provided testimony against Brand, while the former comedian, who was previously married to Katy Perry, failed to convince any of his celebrity acquaintances or former entertainment industry colleagues to testify in his defence.
Sentencing and Ongoing Investigations
On Thursday (November 5), a jury convicted Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two additional charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
His barrister, Ian Winter KC, requested Brand be granted bail over the weekend as an "act of humanity" so that he could say goodbye to his children, but the judge declined over concerns that he would abscond rather than return to court.
Brand now faces the possibility of a substantial prison sentence when he is sentenced on Monday. The Metropolitan Police has also confirmed investigations are continuing into two allegations of rape made against Brand, reports the Express.
At pre-trial court hearings, it was disclosed that one of the complaints came from a woman who dated Brand when he was 30 and she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl. It can also now be reported that additional women came forward to police after Brand was first accused, and prosecutors are evaluating whether to bring further charges.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, praised the "extraordinary courage, resilience and determination" of the women who spoke out against Brand. He stated: "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."
