Actor, influencer Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sexual assault

Walking into a London court to face his fate, comedian and actor Russell Brand, known for films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of three other charges. Justice has been served for these victims. Six women came forward with allegations spanning 1999 to 2009. After a four-week trial that included Brand testifying, the jury of eight men and four women took more than eight hours to reach a verdict. The evidence showed Brand to be a calculated sexual predator, using his growing fame and power to create situations in which he could pursue women sexually, regardless of what they wanted. Allegations against Brand first surfaced in 2023 through media investigations, including a documentary. Russell seems untouchable. As police began investigating, a new group of women came forward and the charges were laid. Brand has maintained his innocence. I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I've spent years openly denouncing. Any denouncing? I've never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity. Sexual activity. Brand's lawyer tried discrediting the women, questioning why they came forward years after the alleged incidents, saying the allegations were, quote, contaminated by the documentary. Women don't come forward, often until there's actually a moment that allows them to come forward. This law professor says the case is significant. Rarely are there actually criminal convictions. So this may be a bit of a sign to women. A bit of validation of the possibility of being heard when you come forward. Brand is now behind bars and will be sentenced on Monday, with the judge indicating he'll hand down a significant prison sentence. Meanwhile, police are continuing to investigate allegations of rape made by two other women. Makda Gebre-Selesa, CBC News, Toronto.