A new Netflix documentary, Russell Brand: Open Secret, has brought to light disturbing claims from former girlfriends, resurfaced footage and accounts of how the comedian allegedly treated women during his rise to fame. The film, which premiered on the streaming platform on Friday, November 13, charts Brand's journey from television presenter and Hollywood actor to convicted sex offender.
The 51-year-old was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women.
Documentary Details and Background
Directed by Olivia Isaacs and produced by 72 Films, the documentary features interviews with people who knew and worked alongside Brand, as well as archive footage and testimony from women who have spoken out about their experiences. It also revisits the investigation by The Times and The Sunday Times, alongside Channel 4's Dispatches, which brought allegations against Brand into the public domain in 2023.
The documentary was released as Brand was accused in a new report of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour by a further six women.
Former Girlfriend Alleges Rape
A former partner, identified as Emily in the documentary, alleges Brand raped her after refusing to wear a condom. She recalls him initially being playful, telling her he wanted to feel close to her, but says she insisted he use protection, particularly given what he had told her about his previous sexual encounters.
She says his behaviour then changed, and she realised he was becoming serious about having sex without protection. "I said to him, 'No, Russell, please, let's just use protection.' I kept saying no. I kept saying no. I said, 'Stop, Russell. Stop. Please don't. Please.' I begged him. I literally begged him," she said. Emily alleges she tried to kick him away, but he was too strong and pinned her hands behind her head before forcing himself on her.
Brand's lawyers acknowledged the documentary-makers' request for comment but did not respond directly to the allegations. Brand has previously denied any non-consensual sexual acts.
Allegations of Controlling Behaviour
A woman who dated Brand for six months in 2007 alleges he was controlling and made her brush her teeth repeatedly until her gums bled. Recalling his comments about having sex with strangers, she said: "Forcing sex with strangers doesn't mean anything. They're objects. He wanted me to taste anonymous. He didn't want me to be familiar to him. And so he was asking me to brush my teeth, but it just was never enough. And so he's standing over me and I'm brushing and I'm brushing, and then I'm seeing my teeth bleeding."
She became emotional while discussing the experience, pausing the interview to apologise before continuing with her account. She also repeated an allegation that Brand sexually assaulted her in a hotel room after becoming jealous when she used her phone outside their room.
Resurfaced Footage and Other Claims
Some of the documentary's most uncomfortable moments come from archive footage of Brand speaking publicly about his own behaviour. In a resurfaced appearance on Richard Herring's show in 2013, Brand says: "I also raped someone once." Other footage shows Brand describing himself as a "scumbag" and admitting he had done "nasty things" he was ashamed of.
The documentary also explores how Brand's fame and access to audiences allegedly played a role in his relationships with women. One revelation concerns claims that he would look out for women in the audience at his shows with the intention of sleeping with them. Another disturbing moment comes from Brand's own book, in which he describes spitting in a woman's face. In a resurfaced clip, Brand appears to acknowledge that his own writing portrays him in a negative light, saying: "That's what I've realised now, is that a lot of this book makes me look bad."
Russell Brand: Open Secret is available to stream on Netflix now.
