London jury convicts Russell Brand on rape and sexual assault charges
The actor and former husband of Katy Perry faces sentencing on November 9 after a trial that concluded with guilty verdicts on four of seven counts.
By Mariam Saleh ·
A London jury found the actor Russell Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday. The verdict resolves a legal battle that began with multiple allegations against the comedian and political commentator. Brand had pleaded not guilty to all seven counts brought against six women.
The jury, composed of four women and eight men, deliberated for more than eight hours before reaching its decision. The trial commenced in mid-October and marks the conclusion of a case that has drawn attention to allegations spanning two decades. Prosecutors argued that Brand used his celebrity status to facilitate the crimes.
David Roberts, a senior Crown Prosecutor in the London Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Unit, characterized the conduct as predatory. Roberts stated that Brand abused power and displayed sexual greed with a complete disregard for the impact of his actions. He thanked the women in the case for their courage in coming forward to bring the case to justice.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police Service praised the investigation team. Furphy noted that the detectives and specialist staff worked tirelessly with professionalism and compassion. He urged other potential victims of rape or serious sexual assault to contact the force, promising they would be listened to with dignity and respect.
The Metropolitan Police began investigating Brand in 2023 after UK news outlets reported the allegations. In April 2025, the force charged him with one count of rape, one count of oral rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. These initial charges related to alleged incidents from approximately twenty years prior.
Brand responded to the initial charges on social media in April 2025. He described himself as a fool and a drug and sex addict before becoming a Christian, but he maintained that he was never a rapist. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to defend himself in court. In December 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized two additional charges concerning two more women.
Brand is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9. During the trial, his wife Laura Gallacher appeared with him in the courtroom. The couple, who married in 2017, has three children. Brand was previously married to singer Katy Perry from 2010 until their divorce in 2012. His legal team has not yet issued a formal response to the verdict.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline remains available for those seeking support. The service is free, confidential, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals can also access help through the hotline’s online chat option. The verdict stands as a factual determination by the jury based on the evidence presented during the trial.
