Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assaults; actor being investigated over more rape allegations

A jury in London found comedian and actor Russell Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The actor had been charged on seven counts: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Following Thursday's verdict, London's Metropolitan Police Service told Yahoo that Brand, 51, is facing further allegations of rape from two women.

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"The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations," the force said in a statement. "Files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to both complainants." Brand has not been charged in relation to these claims.

Following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, the jury found Brand guilty on four of the charges. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.

During the trial, the court heard tearful and forceful testimony from the six complainants, who are all entitled to lifelong anonymity.

The convictions included a rape that took place in 2009, involving a victim who went to Brand's home, where she was raped.

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Brand was also convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at a London bar in 2004. A woman said Brand approached her at a party and grabbed her breasts.

He was also found guilty over an incident in 2009 when he demanded a woman gave him a massage in front of two of Brand's colleagues.

He is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, Nov. 9. The judge said he should expect a lengthy prison term.

Brand became a household name in the U.K. in the 2000s as a comedian and broadcaster. He went on to star in the movies Get Him to the Greek in 2010 and Arthur the following year.

He married singer Katy Perry in October 2010, but Brand filed for divorce in December 2011, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in July 2012.

The claims against Brand were made by six different women, and span from 1999-2009. None of the women knew each other but all of them came forward to police following a TV documentary and press reports in 2023, in which anonymous allegations were made by other women.

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Brand had denied the charges and said he had never forced anyone to do something against their will.

Following the verdict, the judge told Brand he would be remanded in custody.

"You've been convicted of a number of offenses including rape," judge Joel Bennathan said. "The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody."

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from London's Metropolitan Police Service, 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."

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The statement added: "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."

Ron Brand, Russell's father, told the BBC he was "shocked" by the verdicts. "I just didn't expect this - it's wrong," he said. "It's devastating."

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