Comedian Katherine Ryan has described feeling a "nuanced mix of emotions," including "grief and relief," following the conviction of Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault. Brand, 51, was found guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. Mr. Justice Bennathan, the presiding judge, has indicated that Brand should expect a "significant custodial term" when he is sentenced on Monday.
Speaking on her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, Ryan praised the survivors who testified against Brand, noting the difficulty of coming forward against someone with his level of fame and influence. Ryan had previously gained attention for comments made in a 2022 documentary, where she spoke of a "predator" in the entertainment industry, though she did not name Brand at the time.
Following the verdict, adventurer Bear Grylls, who attended a private baptism for Brand in 2024, stated that while he believes judgment belongs to the courts and God, it is "right that justice has now been served."
Beyond the charges for which he was convicted, Brand remains under investigation regarding further rape allegations made by two women. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated he would not be surprised if additional allegations emerged. Legal documents from a pre-trial hearing revealed that one of these ongoing investigations involves a woman who was 16 at the time of the alleged incident, which was previously featured in a 2023 Channel 4 documentary. Brand has consistently denied allegations of misconduct.
