Russell Brand sentenced to 10.5 years for sexual assault

Verdict for a series of crimes

A London jury found Russell Brand guilty of rape and sexual assault. The 51-year-old actor was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison.

The jury confirmed his guilt in one instance of rape and three cases of sexual assault. These offences occurred between 2004 and 2009, when Brand's career was at its peak. Specifically, in 2009, he raped a 21-year-old fan whom he met after a performance. The remaining three cases involve assaults on employees of television and radio companies.

Court and defendant's positions

The judge described Brand as a criminal who believed his fame gave him the right to do whatever he wanted with women. The artist himself maintained his innocence, claiming that all relationships took place with mutual consent.

Career and change in views

Russell Brand is one of the most prominent figures in British comedy of the 2000s. He hosted MTV, starred in Hollywood films such as Get Him to the Greek and Wrecked, and was married to singer Katy Perry.

Initially, Brand adopted liberal and progressive positions, but later sharply changed course, moving to the right. He began criticising the government, the European Union, and modern culture, which made him a popular podcaster among conservative audiences.

Investigation continues

In September 2023, The Times and Channel 4 published a joint investigation in which women spoke about sexual assault by Brand. London police are currently continuing to review two further rape allegations. One of them concerns a girl who was 16 years old at the time of the incident.