Actor Russell Brand Sentenced to 10.5 Years
A British judge called the comedian's conduct a criminal sexual offense that was long treated as laddish behavior.
By Renata Mehta ·
Russell Brand received a 10 and a half year prison sentence on Monday.
The 51 year old actor and comedian was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others in the United Kingdom.
Judge Joel Bennathan delivered the verdict in Southwark Crown Court. He described Brand's behavior as a casual and arrogant disregard for women who said no.
The judge stated that Brand became a sexual predator while he was rising to fame. He noted that the comedian was clever, funny, and charismatic in the eyes of many people. Bennathan said the entourage around Brand may have written off the assaults as laddish behavior. The judge added that the conduct was a criminal sexual offense and that Brand had not gotten away with it.
Brand maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He testified that all encounters were consensual. A jury of eight men and four women found him guilty on four counts. The jury cleared him of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones argued that Brand used his fame and power to facilitate access to women. She said his influence fed his view that he could commit offenses with impunity. The convictions followed a 2023 investigation by The Times and Channel 4 that aired accounts from women who said they were abused.
The accusers shared statements about the impact of the crimes. One woman told the court that an assault in 2004 left her feeling like damaged goods. She said it was impossible to escape seeing Brand celebrated in media for his behavior. Another victim described feeling powerless after an incident in 2009. She said Brand's fame and wealth created a power imbalance that made her feel silent.
Brand wore a gray suit and a loose white tie during the hearing. He held a crucifix in his right hand. He showed little emotion while the judge spoke. After standing up, he mouthed the words we'll be OK to his wife Laura. Court officers led him away. Supporters outside held a banner with crosses and the words that Christ was crucified for telling the truth.
