Russell Brand rape trial begins in UK as prosecutors open case
Fox News correspondent Stephanie Bennett reports as Russell Brand faces trial in London over allegations of rape and sexual assault on ‘America Reports.’
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Bear Grylls is speaking out on Russell Brand’s rape conviction two years after he baptized the comedian.
On Friday, British adventurer and television presenter Bear Grylls, best known for survival shows such as “Man vs. Wild,” took to X to say that it was “right that justice has now been served.”
“Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism. I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes. It’s part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone.”
Bear Grylls shared a statement after Russell Brand’s rape conviction
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It is the sick that need healing. Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn’t want to ever discourage someone’s coming to faith,” Grylls’s statement began.
He continued, “It is right that justice has now been served. I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day.”
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Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London, England, on Nov. 5, 2026
In May 2024, Brand took to X and shared a video following the first week after the baptism. “I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself,” Brand said in the video at the time.
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Grylls, a devout Christian, also shared a statement with the Daily Mail after the baptism, calling his involvement a “privilege.”
Bear Grylls called his Russell Brand baptism a “privilege” at the time.(Mike Marsland/WireImage)
“Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, but it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above. Friendships when we go through tough times are worth so much,” Grylls told the outlet at the time.
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Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. The offenses involved four women and took place between 2004 and 2009, as Brand’s career and public profile were growing.
Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London on Oct. 29, 2026
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The jury found Brand guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 and sexually assaulting three other women in separate incidents. He was cleared of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
A courtroom sketch of Russell Brand in the dock at Southwark Crown Court, in London, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.(Elizabeth Cook/PA
Brand, 51, has maintained his innocence. He was refused bail after the verdict and remains in custody ahead of sentencing, which is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9. Police are also investigating two further rape allegations against him.
