By — Brian Melley, Associated Press Brian Melley, Associated Press By — Jill Lawless, Associated Press Jill Lawless, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/russell-brand-convicted-of-rape-and-sexual-assault Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault World Nov 5, 2026 10:31 AM EST LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand was convicted Thursday of rape and sexual assault charges on allegations dating back more than 20 years. Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faces a "significant" prison term when he is sentenced Monday. He had been free on bail but was taken into custody. A prosecutor said the British actor-comedian was a ruthless, calculating, manipulative "sexual predator." READ MORE: Russell Brand denies all charges as he testifies at his rape and sex assault trial Brand, 51, 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. He was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault…
Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault
In short
Jurors spent more than eight hours deliberating over two days before reaching guilty findings on four charges while acquitting the defendant on three others. Prosecutors portrayed the entertainer as a calculating predator, while the defense maintained all encounters were fully consensual and argued the claims were influenced by a 2023 documentary. The defendant acknowledged past promiscuity in court but claimed no outside witnesses were willing to testify on his behalf aside from his wife. Sentencing has been formally scheduled for Monday, where the presiding judge warned that substantial prison time will be imposed.
Key points
- London Metropolitan Police stated that Brand leveraged his celebrity status and industry…: London Metropolitan Police stated that Brand leveraged his celebrity status and industry profile to sexually offend against women.
- Brand denied all non-consensual acts during his testimony, with his legal team pointing o…: Brand denied all non-consensual acts during his testimony, with his legal team pointing out the decades-long delay in the allegations.
- The criminal proceedings were preceded by a 2023 documentary that broadcast anonymous all…: The criminal proceedings were preceded by a 2023 documentary that broadcast anonymous allegations against the former Hollywood actor.