British comedian Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sexual assault

Thu, 05 Nov 2026

Europe

THU, 05 NOV 2026

British comedian and actor Russell Brand and his wife Laura leave Southwark Crown Court in south London on November 4, 2026. - © Henry Nicholls, AFP

British comedian and actor Russell Brand was found guilty in ‌a ⁠London court ‌on Thursday of rape ⁠and sexual assault related to allegations dating back more than 20 years.

Brand, once one of ‌Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and the ‌former husband of US singer Katy Perry, had denied the accusations, saying the incidents had either been consensual, reinvented or re-imagined.

Presiding Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand would receive a prison sentence.

A prosecutor described Brand as a ruthless, calculating, manipulative “sexual predator”. Brand, who is 51-years-old, denied the charges and testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life, but had never forced anyone to do something against their will.

Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters and AP)