Jury finds Russell Brand guilty of rape and sexual assault
The British comedian was convicted on four counts but acquitted on three others in a trial that lasted three weeks.
By Nathan Brooks ·
Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday. The 51-year-old comedian and actor faced a total of six charges stemming from allegations made by six women. The jury returned its verdict after a trial that began on October 12, 2026, and lasted for three weeks.
The jury acquitted Brand of two additional counts of rape and one count of attempted sexual assault. The verdict marks a major legal outcome for the British entertainer, who has maintained a large public following through social media and political commentary. The case involved multiple accusers who testified in court regarding their interactions with Brand over several years.
Prosecutors described Brand as a sexual predator during the trial. Brand acknowledged in his own testimony that he had sometimes abused his fame. However, he denied engaging in sexual relations without consent. The jury’s decision resulted in a mixed verdict, with convictions on four counts and acquittals on three.
The legal proceedings followed a period of intense public scrutiny. In September 2023, Brand posted a video on X predicting that major media outlets were preparing to publish accusations of sexual misconduct. He denied the claims in that video. The following day, The Times newspaper published an investigation in which four women accused him of sexual assault, including one allegation of rape. A British television documentary also covered the allegations around the same time.
London Police announced an investigation into the complaints in late September 2023. British prosecutors filed formal charges against Brand in April 2025. New charges, including an additional count of rape, were announced eight months later. Brand pleaded not guilty to all counts. He continued to participate in public events while the legal process moved forward.
Brand’s career has shifted from stand-up comedy and Hollywood films to political commentary and spiritual topics. He released a book titled How to Become a Christian in 7 Days in April 2026, which detailed his approach to faith. In an interview with Tucker Carlson to promote the book, Brand suggested he might run for mayor of London in 2028 if he did not face prison time. He also appeared at the Make America Healthy Again summit in Washington in September 2026, sharing a stage with U.S. officials including Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The trial took place in London. Six women gave testimony regarding the allegations. The jury’s decision was reached on November 5, 2026. Brand remains in the public eye as he prepares for the next steps in the legal process.
