Russell Brand detailed a 'fantasy' he had about Dame Helen Mirren in his 2011 book, writing that he got "aroused" while imagining her bathing him. The passage has resurfaced after the 51-year-old was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a three-week trial. He was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Fantasy described in 2011 memoir
At the height of his fame, Brand released Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal, a sequel to his 2007 book that covered his sobriety, rise to international fame, stand-up tours and films. In one chapter, he described a fantasy about Dame Helen, now 81, with whom he worked on two films.
He wrote: "A man of my age wouldn't rightly regard her as a partner; she is a generation older, but in spite of this she has traded none of her sexual allure, which is confusing."
"Nonetheless, intrepid thinker I am, I've managed to distil my requirements of her into this conveniently perverse package. I'd like her to give me a bath, a bath which begins as functional, merely the business of cleaning my body, but then, a few minutes into the bath, it all gets a bit confusing. The boundaries become blurred."
Brand pictured 'prize-winning privates'
Brand went on to imagine the MobLand actress "vigorously setting about my prize-winning privates", which he claimed got him "aroused" as he was writing down his thoughts. "We tumble into a bubbly wonderland, all squeals and half-hearted admonishments, till thighs part and eyes roll," he added.
The book was released while Brand was married to pop star Katy Perry. Their marriage lasted two years, ending in 2012. He has been married to his second wife Laura Brand since 2017.
Sentencing and further allegations
Brand will return to court on Monday morning to hear his sentence. He has been told he will face a "significant custodial term". The Metropolitan Police has also told Sky News it is investigating other allegations of rape made by two women against him.
