‘Despicable Me’ Star Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault, Faces Prison Sentence
Russell Brand rose from stand-up comedy to become a prominent broadcaster and Hollywood actor, appearing in films such as ‘Get Him to the Greek’ and ‘Arthur’. The 51-year-old British comedian has now been convicted in a criminal case that has drawn international attention.
The case centered on allegations made by 6 women about incidents between 1999 and 2009. That decade covered Brand’s move from small-venue stand-up to television and film work.
On Thursday, a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London found Brand guilty of 1 count of rape and 3 counts of sexual assault. He was found not guilty of 2 other rape charges and 1 count of attempted indecent assault.
ABC News reports that the jury deliberated for 8 and a half hours. Brand had pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the encounters were consensual or that the allegations were fabricated.
Judge Joel Bennathan revoked Brand’s bail following the verdict. As reported by The Guardian and ABC News, the judge said the rape conviction meant a significant custodial sentence was inevitable. Brand was taken into custody after the verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
WARNING: SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND THIS DISTRESSING Metropolitan Police release interviews with with Russell Brand between 2023 and 2025 released following guilty verdict https://t.co/s5jQUtwIS2
— GB News (@GBNEWS) November 5, 2026
The rape conviction relates to a 2009 incident involving a woman Brand met after a gig, according to Al Jazeera. The sexual assault convictions involve separate incidents, including one at a London bar in 2004, one during a promotional project in 2009 and one involving a radio station worker in 2004 or 2005.
The 6 women who gave evidence did not know each other. Under UK law, they are entitled to lifelong anonymity. The allegations reached police after a 2023 television documentary and press reports that included anonymous accounts from several women. That reporting led to a police investigation and, eventually, the charges heard at trial.
Russell brand found guilty his family left the court without him he got remanded in custody today and left on Serco prison van to HMP Wandsworth . Someone got pushed hard by Russell brand security guards #russellbrand https://t.co/4punG2oTML
— Zonjy (@zonjy_) November 5, 2026
Brand pleaded not guilty to the charges in 2025. During the trial, prosecutors described him as a ruthless sexual predator. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police praised the women who came forward, describing the conviction as a testament to their courage, resilience and determination.
He said Brand had used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend women. Furphy added that Brand’s sense of entitlement grew as his public profile rose. No statement from Brand following the verdict was reported in the coverage.
BREAKING: Russell Brand is found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a London jury delivers its verdict in the high-profile trial involving allegations dating back more than 20 years. The 51-year-old British comedian and actor denied the allegations, insisting his sexual encounters were consensual. Jurors convicted him on four charges while acquitting him on three others. Brand now faces a significant prison sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Monday. The judge’s decision on what happens next marks another major turn in the case. Full details: https://t.co/5ebO692hse
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 5, 2026
Brand was once one of the most recognizable faces in British entertainment, known for his stand-up, broadcasting work and Hollywood roles. He was also previously married to Katy Perry. The conviction marks a major turning point in a case that has unfolded over several years. The length of his sentence will be decided when he returns to court on Monday.
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