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A jury in London convicted Russell Brand in November 2026 of rape and three counts of sexual assault, a verdict that has renewed public scrutiny of his past behaviour and prompted further police enquiries.
Verdicts handed down at Southwark Crown Court
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On Nov. 5, 2026, jurors concluded Brand raped a woman at his former London flat in 2009.
The woman had met Brand after one of his shows and later visited his home.
She told the court that their encounter began in a sexual context but became violent.
The complainant said she asked him to stop, but he persisted. The jury accepted her account.
Three separate sexual assault convictions
Brand was also found guilty on three counts of sexual assault dating to the mid-2000s.
- 2004, Soho bar: A woman said Brand grabbed her breasts while they spoke at a party.
- 2004–2005, radio studio: At Choice FM, a woman described being kissed and then touched without consent.
- 2009, television project: A third woman said Brand placed his head against her groin area during work on a Channel 4 production.
Prosecutors argued Brand used his profile to exert power over women. A senior Crown prosecutor said he behaved in a predatory and manipulative way to get what he wanted.
Charges where Brand was acquitted
Two rape charges the jury rejected
The jury cleared Brand of two other rape counts brought in the same trial.
One allegation dated to 1999 and involved an encounter at a hotel during a political conference.
The complainant said she was assaulted after being taken into a hotel room. The jury did not find the evidence proved the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
Attempted indecent assault not proven
Brand was also found not guilty of an attempted indecent assault from 2001.
The claim involved an MTV employee who said Brand tried to drag her toward a men’s restroom at the broadcaster’s London offices.
New complaints and the police response
Following the convictions, police confirmed they were examining further allegations against Brand.
One fresh claim involves a woman who says she was 16 when she dated Brand in the past.
The Met Police said detectives have interviewed the suspect before and have submitted material to prosecutors.
The force described the inquiry as ongoing and said officers remain in close contact with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Year-by-year outline of the incidents cited in court
- 1999 — Alleged hotel room incident at a political conference. (Acquitted)
- 2001 — Alleged attempt to force a woman into a men’s toilet at MTV. (Acquitted)
- 2004 — Soho bar incident where a woman said Brand grabbed her breasts. (Convicted)
- 2004–2005 — Alleged unwanted kissing and groping at a radio studio. (Convicted)
- 2009 — Two separate allegations: one at a Channel 4 project and one at Brand’s flat where rape was alleged. (Convicted)
Reactions in court and from prosecutors
During sentencing hearings, prosecutors painted a picture of a high-profile figure who used fame to influence and coerce.
They said Brand exercised control and disregarded consent. Victims gave evidence about feeling harmed and ignored.
Defence statements maintained his innocence, but jurors convicted him on four counts.
Legal and public fallout
The verdicts have prompted calls for further scrutiny of celebrity behaviour and workplace safeguards.
Several organisations and media outlets revisited past complaints and internal files after the jury announced its decision.
Detective work and prosecutorial review continue on the additional allegations that emerged after trial evidence was heard.
Support resources for survivors
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, please seek support.
Call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226 for confidential help and referrals.
- Emergency services: dial your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger.
- Local rape crisis centres offer counselling and practical advice.
- Victim support services can explain reporting options and legal rights.
