Russell Brand has revealed that he contemplates the possibility of incarceration on a daily basis, as he prepares to stand trial this autumn over allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Brand Addresses Potential Prison Sentence
The 50-year-old comedian, actor, and podcaster, who denies all charges brought by six women, spoke candidly about his fears in an interview with Piers Morgan. When asked if he had considered the reality of going to prison if found guilty, Brand responded: "Yes… all the time, every day."
Wearing a low-slung white T-shirt and crucifix, Brand added: "I will be with God wherever I am. And of course, I would prefer to be with God with my wife and my kids… I'm not saying that that's not a difficult image, you know, and a difficult thing to contemplate, of course it is."
Brand, who had his Bible with him during the interview, concluded: "We are going to find out the truth, and we're going to deal with the truth. Because actually, I am not afraid of the truth and if the truth is I am going to prison, then I am. My job will be, do not be afraid of that truth, that is what you are going to do."
Brand's Defense and Past Comments
Appearing on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the former Hollywood star vigorously defended his innocence while acknowledging his daily thoughts about the court outcome. Earlier this week, in a separate interview with US journalist Megyn Kelly, Brand described himself as "selfish" and an "exploiter of women." He admitted to having "exploitative" sex with a 16-year-old girl at the height of his fame but insisted his actions were not illegal.
Brand stated: "In Europe and the United Kingdom, where I'm from, the age of consent is 16, and I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30. When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old."
He continued: "Consensual sex with a lot of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative. I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish and I did not apply enough consideration, barely any I suppose, really, to how that sex was affecting other people."
Upcoming Trial
Brand, who hosted Big Brother spin-off shows, had his own BBC Radio 2 programme, and starred in numerous Hollywood films, faces three charges of rape, three allegations of sexual assault, and one charge of indecent assault. His trial at Southwark Crown Court is scheduled to begin on October 12, where his six accusers will testify, and Brand will have the opportunity to give evidence in his defense.
