Russell Brand was convicted on Thursday of rape and three sexual assaults at a London court and faces sentencing on Monday as police investigate further accusations against the former comedy star.
A jury at Southwark Crown Court found the 51-year-old guilty of raping a young fan at his luxury London townhouse in 2009. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting three other women at a radio station, a recording studio and a bar. He was acquitted of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Brand spent his first night in prison on Friday ahead of Monday's sentencing, where he faces years of imprisonment. During Thursday's proceedings, his wife Laura collapsed in the courtroom, and he asked the judge for permission to say goodbye to his family, but the request was denied.
The Metropolitan Police said on Thursday that Brand is under investigation for two further rape allegations, and detectives have sent files to specialist prosecutors. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if "many, many more" victims come forward. He added that intelligence suggests at least 10 more women may have been attacked. Some sources fear the number of further victims could reach double figures.
The government has pledged to examine calls for judges to issue directions to juries on rape myths. The move follows a trial in which defence lawyers asked victims why they had not screamed during attacks. Crown Prosecution Service lead Siobhan Blake said: "The focus must be the actions of the perpetrator and not the behaviour of the victim."
Brand's barrister, Ian Winter, reported himself to the Bar Standards Board on Friday after allegedly confronting Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin outside court. He allegedly told her "You fucked it" and "I hope you are pleased with yourself."
Several book publishers have pulled Brand's titles following the conviction, while streaming services remain uncertain about handling his existing content. The BBC reiterated its apology for a culture of silence that prevented staff from complaining about Brand's behavior at its radio stations between 2006 and 2008.
The police investigation began after allegations were reported by Channel 4's Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times in September 2023. Brand, who became an international star through Hollywood films and later as an online influencer, had moved with his family to Florida after the allegations emerged.
