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Met Police chief says ‘many, many more victims’ of Russell Brand could come forward as comedian faces two new rape probes
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said he would not be surprised if many more women reported sexual abuse allegations against Russell Brand after his conviction. He criticised defence arguments that complainants’ failure to scream or flee undermined their accounts, saying such claims came close to victim-blaming.
Police are investigating two further rape allegations, including one involving a complainant who was 16 at the time, and have submitted evidence files as prosecutors consider possible further charges. Brand was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others; Rowley said high-profile cases can give victims confidence to come forward and that people react to trauma in different ways.
In short
- Police are investigating two further rape allegations against Brand.
- Rowley expects more women may come forward.
- Brand was convicted of rape and three sexual assaults.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rowley’s comments reflect the view that delayed reporting or not resisting physically does not, by itself, disprove an allegation: people can respond to trauma in different ways. Supporters may argue that acknowledging this, and explaining that further reports are possible, can help victims feel able to approach police while investigations proceed.
The case against
Others may argue that a police commissioner should speak cautiously about untested allegations, particularly while prosecutors are considering evidence and further charges. They may see public predictions of many more complainants and criticism of defence arguments as risking an appearance of prejudging cases or discouraging robust scrutiny, even while recognising the conviction and the need to investigate new reports.