Photo copyrightPA Media
A jury at London's Southwark Crown Court found 51-year-old actor and comedian Russell Brand guilty of four counts of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
In total, Brand was charged with seven counts of crimes against six women, which allegedly occurred between 1999 and 2009, when the actor was actively building a career in British show business.
Brand's attention came to police attention in 2023, jointly conducted by the Times and Sunday Times newspapers and Channel 4 television.
“You have been found guilty of a number of crimes, including rape. This will inevitably entail a lengthy prison sentence,” Judge Bennathan said as he read out his decision. “At this time, I believe that I should therefore order your detention.”
The actor denies all accusations and maintains his innocence. The verdict is expected on Monday.
Russell Brand's acting career includes the romantic comedy Down Under, voice acting for the cartoons Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2, and the comedy Escape from Vegas.
From 2010 to 2012, Brand was married to singer Katy Perry.
In recent years, Russell Brand has been running a YouTube channel and sharing conspiracy theories.
End of Most Popular
He also called the 2023 journalistic investigation a conspiracy.
How the process went
photo copyrightElizabeth Cook/Press Association
This extension will help if you have difficulties accessing the BBC Russian Service website.
Download extension
End of story Chrome browser extension - link
Russell Brand's trial began on October 12. The jury heard testimony from victims, witnesses and the actor himself.
On the first day of the trial, prosecutors laid out details of seven alleged sex crimes against British actor and comedian Russell Brand by six women.
The prosecutor called Brand a "sexual predator" whose "intense desire for sexual contact was promiscuous and insatiable."
On October 28, after testimony from alleged victims and witnesses, the actor himself addressed the jury.
He said the allegations against him were a “deeply traumatic” experience and had a “devastating” impact on his life.
He stressed that he considers sexual consent a “fundamental principle.”
In his closing argument, Brand's lawyer said the prosecution had presented no evidence that his client was "a psychopath who rapes people and thinks it's normal."
As BBC correspondents reported from the courtroom on Thursday, during the announcement of the decision to find him guilty, Brand sat completely motionless, showing no emotion.
New charges
Russell Brand is also the subject of a new investigation into allegations of rape recently made by two women, it has been revealed.
Journalists learned that he had already been questioned by police in connection with these statements.
“The suspect was previously questioned with a formal warning of his rights in connection with the charges,” police said in a statement.
Police also said the allegations from both women have been passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
“Detectives continue to remain in close contact with prosecutors as further investigations are conducted,” police added.
Law enforcement also urged anyone who would like to speak with investigators or provide any information to contact police.
End of Subscribe to our social networks and newsletter
Download the new BBC World Service app!
When you first open the app, select "BBC News Russian Service" and receive notifications about important news, analysis, videos and podcasts.
Important: The new app is not available in the UK and US.
Find out more
Video playlist
End Video playlist
