Russell Brand Convicted of Rape, Sexual Assault
Is Brand's trial proof that fame can't shield predators forever or is it a politically-motivated prosecution of a man who denies all wrongdoing?
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Above: Russell Brand and his wife, Laura, at the Southwark Crown Court in London on Nov. 5. Image credit: Neil Mockford/Getty Images
The Facts
- On Thursday, a Southwark Crown Court jury found Russell Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, while acquitting him of two other rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault among seven charges involving six women.
- After a brief deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict. On Thursday, Judge Joel Bennathan revoked Brand's bail and remanded him to custody, noting that the four convictions would result in a significant prison term. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
- On Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said Brand remained under investigation over rape allegations from two additional women after officers interviewed him under caution and submitted files involving both complainants to the Crown Prosecution Service.
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The Spin
Prosecution narrative
A famous man finally answering for preying on women proves that fame is not a permanent shield. Charm, status and a loyal audience can delay accountability, but none of it can erase it.
Defense narrative
Brand has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that these relationships were consensual. This was a politically-motivated prosecution.
