Russell Brand has been warned he faces prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault on Thursday, as police reveal he is also under investigation over further rape allegations.
The comedian and actor, once one of Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and the former husband of US singer Katy Perry, had denied the accusations, saying the incidents had either been consensual, reinvented or reimagined.
Prosecutors said the 51-year-old's crimes took place over a decade, with the first in 1999 when a woman accused him of raping her in her hotel room after his show at the Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth. She said the actor's demeanor went from "camp, friendly and effeminate" to "monster-like."
In 2001, Brand was accused of attempting to drag a woman into the men's bathroom cubicle in the MTV Europe offices after she complimented his shirt, labeling him a "wild-eyed maniac."
Three years later, another woman said Brand dragged her into a restroom in a bar, where he orally raped her. A fourth woman said around that same time in 2004 or 2005, Brand groped her at a London radio station.
In 2009, a fan accused Brand of anally raping her at his house after a prior consensual sex act. Also that year, a woman said Brand demanded a massage from her and pressed his face into her groin area while they were working together.
Brand was convicted at London's Southwark Crown Court on Thursday of one count of rape and three sexual assaults. He was acquitted of two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. He'll be sentenced on 9 November.
In England and Wales, a rape conviction can carry a maximum of life imprisonment, though sentencing guidelines list an offense range of four to 19 years in custody. Sexual assault convictions can result in up to 10 years in prison.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Met, 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."
Brand began sharing his journey to the Christian faith on social media in 2024. He was baptised by TV survival expert Bear Grylls in the River Thames and published a new book this year, How to Become a Christian in 7 Days.
During an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored in April 2025, he was asked about the significance of a Bible he had previously brought with him to Southwark Crown Court. He faced criticism online after struggling to locate a Bible passage during the interview when Morgan pressed him on which passages he had been reading.
Reuters contributed to this report
