Brand Guilty on Four UK Counts

Russell Brand stands convicted in London after a jury returned guilty verdicts on four of the seven counts brought against him. The decision, delivered on Thursday, closes the primary criminal proceedings for the actor and comedian, who faces sentencing on November 9.

The jury, composed of four women and eight men, spent more than eight hours in deliberation. They found Brand guilty on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The prosecution had also pursued three additional rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault, all of which were dismissed.

The case originated in 2023 when the Metropolitan Police opened an investigation following reports in multiple U.K. news outlets. In April 2025, prosecutors initially charged Brand with one count of rape, one count of oral rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. These charges related to alleged incidents spanning roughly two decades. In December 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service expanded the case by authorizing further charges involving two additional women.

Brand’s legal defense centered on a not guilty plea for all seven counts. He addressed the initial April 2025 charges directly on social media. In that post, he described his younger self as a drug and sex addict but maintained that he was never a rapist. He stated, 'But what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in nonconsensual activity.'

The prosecution characterized the conduct as a calculated exploitation of fame. David Roberts, the senior Crown Prosecutor for the London Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Unit, issued a statement after the verdict. Roberts described Brand as 'predatory' and asserted that the actor used his celebrity status to commit the crimes. He noted that an 'abuse of power and sexual greed' sat at the center of the assaults.

Roberts also thanked the women in the case for their courage in bringing the matter to court. 'I would like to thank all the women in this case for their courage in coming forward and seeing this sexual abuser brought to justice,' he said.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police Service issued a separate statement praising the investigative team. Furphy highlighted the professionalism and compassion shown by the detectives and specialist staff. He urged other potential victims of rape or serious sexual assault to contact the force, promising they would be listened to and treated with dignity.

Brand’s personal history includes a marriage to singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012. Since 2017, he has been married to Laura Gallacher, who sat beside him in court throughout the trial. The couple has three children. Beyond acting and comedy, Brand has worked as a political commentator and wellness influencer.

Brand’s attorney has been contacted for comment. The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-656-HOPE, remains available for those seeking support, offering free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day.