Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
The comedian and actor had been at the centre of a three-week-long trial at Southwark Crown Court, facing charges that included three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault.
Members of the jurors began their deliberations on Tuesday, with the judge telling them that he would only accept a verdict that they were unanimous on.
On Thursday afternoon, it was revealed that Brand had been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. For the other charges, which included two counts of rape and one of attempted indecent assault, he was found not guilty.
Brand – who had pleaded not guilty to all of the charges levelled against him – will now remain in police custody, and will receive a sentence on Monday.
Judge Justice Bennathan has indicated that Brand will receive a prison term.
Allegations of historic sexual misconduct against Brand were first made public more than three years ago, as part of a joint investigation between The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
The Metropolitan Police subsequently launched their own investigation, resulting in him being charged in April 2025.
Brand first became a household name in the UK in the 2000s, thanks to his work on shows like Big Brother’s Big Mouth, Russell Brand’s Ponderland and the Brit Awards, as well as his stand-up comedy career and BBC Radio 2 podcast.
His profile subsequently began to grow internationally after hosting the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009 and 2010, as well as appearing in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and its spin-off Get Him To The Greek.
In recent history, Brand has pivoted to becoming an online personality on platforms like YouTube, where he offers his political commentary, including voicing his support for US president Donald Trump, as well his religious faith, having converted to Christianity in the last few years.
Help and support:
- Rape Crisis services for women and girls who have been raped or have experienced sexual violence – 0808 802 9999
- Survivors UK offers support for men and boys – 0203 598 3898
