EUROPE · 06 Nov 2026 · 05:57 GMT ·2 min read

Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.

On November 5, a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London convicted comedian Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

NEUTRALITY 81 · BALANCED· 6 sources

DW English

On November 5, a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London convicted comedian Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The jury acquitted the 51-year-old of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Judge Joel Bennathan remanded Brand in custody following the verdict. The charges relate to incidents occurring between 1999 and 2009. Brand entered a plea of not guilty. He faces a prison term at a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 9, 2026. Six women testified during the trial. These witnesses retain a right to lifelong anonymity.

Context

Russell Brand gained prominence in the early 2000s as a television host and radio personality. He later transitioned to Hollywood film roles. Brand worked in mainstream media until he changed his focus and moved to Florida.

In September 2023, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches published investigative reports containing anonymous allegations against Brand. These reports prompted several women to contact the Metropolitan Police. That contact led to criminal charges for incidents occurring between 1999 and 2009. Four women initially filed accusations. Two more women came forward after the authorities filed the charges. The legal proceedings concluded with a verdict at Southwark Crown Court on November 5, 2026.

Supportive perspectives

On November 5, 2026, a jury at Southwark Crown Court convicted Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The panel of eight men and four women deliberated for over eight hours across two days.
Judge Joel Bennathan stated that Brand faces a significant prison term following the conviction. Authorities took Brand into custody immediately after the verdict. The court scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2026.
Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy stated that Brand used his influence, status, and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. Six complainants provided testimony during the investigation. These individuals are entitled to lifelong anonymity.
Criminal charges against Brand involve alleged incidents that occurred between 1999 and 2009. Prosecutors formally presented these cases to the court.

Critical perspectives

Russell Brand entered a formal plea of not guilty to all charges brought against him. During the trial, Brand testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and lived a promiscuous life. He denied ever forcing anyone to act against their will.
Laura Brand testified as a character witness for the defense. She attended the proceedings at Southwark Crown Court throughout the case to support her husband against the criminal allegations.