Comic found guilty of one count of rape and three of sexual assault, cleared of others

Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The former comedian was acquitted of two further counts of rape, and one count of attempted indecent assault – and was warned that he faces  ‘significant custodial term’. He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on Monday.

The 51-year-old was found guilty of raping a woman at his home in London in 2009, days after meeting her after a gig at the Hammersmith Apollo. She visited his home in Hampstead where they had consensual sex before he anally raped her.

He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a bar in London in 2004, grabbing her breasts less than a minute after they started chatting at a birthday party in Soho; sexually assaulting a woman at the Choice FM studios in London in either 2004 or 2005 when he grabbed her face and kissed her before touching her breasts and bottom;  and a sexual assault charge while working on a Channel 4 project in 2009 when he laid his head into the groin area of a female co-worker.

Int he High Court, Mr Justice Bennathan said: ‘You’ve been convicted of a number of offences including rape. The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term.

‘My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody.’

The maximum sentence for rape is life imprisonment and for sexual assault it is ten years.

Brand was found not guilty of raping a woman he met at a show on the fringe of a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth in 1999; of orally raping a woman in a bar in Soho in 2004 and of attempting to indecently assault an MTV worker by pulling her towards a lavatory.

The Metropolitan Police praised the women who reported Brand for their ‘courage, resilience and determination’ – and revealed that an investigation into allegations of rape made by two women, including one who was 16 at the time, remains ongoing.

Detectives gathered evidence from more than 100 witnesses and reviewed thousands of documents as part of the investigation. The Met also released the above image of Brand being interviewed in 2023.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: ‘Today's verdict is first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them. Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible.

‘Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be.

‘I want to pay tribute to the team of detectives and specialist staff who worked tirelessly on this investigation. Their professionalism, determination and compassion for the victims represent the very best of the Metropolitan Police.

‘Finally, I would urge anyone who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault to speak to us. You will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect."

The Met began investigating after allegations involving Brand were reported by Channel 4's Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times in September 2023.

Detectives traced and spoke to more than 100 witnesses, took more than 400 witness statements and reviewed over 1,400 documents. They also established detailed timelines and obtained historical floor plans and photographs of locations linked to the reports, including a former address of Brand and a former workplace. 

During four separate police interviews, Brand was provided with detailed accounts of the allegations but repeatedly claimed he did not recognise the women involved. 

Scotland Yard said detectives spent significant time testing those assertions against the evidence. As the case approached trial, Brand's account changed, prompting prosecuting counsel to describe his recollection as ‘selective memory’.

The charity Refuge said: ‘The guilty verdicts in this trial represent long overdue justice for the survivors whose lives have been devastated – sending an important signal that survivors’ voices matter, and abusers will be held accountable. 

‘The sickening crimes committed by Russell Brand demonstrate how perpetrators in the public eye are often able to act with impunity – with devastating consequences for the survivors affected. While these are welcome convictions for some of the brave survivors involved, the lengthy justice process, re-traumatising trial experience and mixed verdicts reflect the unacceptable barriers faced by survivors across the board.’

Anyone who wishes to speak to detectives or make a report can contact the investigation team by email at CSOU@met.police.uk. Reports can also be made by calling 101 from within the UK and quoting reference 2321/04NOV26.’

If you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call 0808 500 2222.

Published: 5 Nov 2026