Russell Brand Addresses Past Relationship Involving a Teen When He Was 30
Russell Brand has spoken about a past sexual encounter he now describes as exploitative, while also addressing the serious legal cases he is currently facing in the United Kingdom.
In an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Brand discussed an encounter from when he was 30 years old involving a 16-year-old girl. He noted that the legal age of consent in parts of Europe is 16, but said he now looks at the situation differently.
He explained that at that point in his life, he was famous and had a lot of attention from women, which he believes created an unhealthy power balance in some situations. He said he now sees that as problematic.
Brand also said he was immature at the time and did not fully understand how his actions could affect other people. He spoke about reflecting on his past behavior and how he now views it more critically.
He said, “When you’re a famous man that has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.”
He also said, “I recognized that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish, and I did not apply enough consideration — barely any, I suppose, really — to how that sex was affecting other people.”
Russell Brand says he slept with a 16-year-old when he was 30. 😬 https://t.co/I6DFi4uXNG
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 22, 2026
Credit: The Megyn Kelly Show pic.twitter.com/nzd7TX8XBI
Alongside these comments, Brand is still dealing with multiple criminal allegations in the UK. He has been accused of sexual assault and rape in cases reported by media outlets in 2023. The allegations relate to incidents said to have taken place over several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He has denied all accusations. Reports from NBC News and others say he has pleaded not guilty in court to several charges, including rape and sexual assault.
Brand, known for films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, has remained in the public eye through both his entertainment work and his recent legal situation. He continues to maintain that past relationships were consensual.
This is a very sensitive topic with serious claims and strong public attention on both sides. It also shows how past actions can come back into focus years later. What do you think about his comments and the ongoing case? Share your thoughts in the comments.