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Russell Brand bragged in book about watching mum’s friend naked in bath
Russell Brand wrote about spying on his mother’s friend while she was naked in the bath when he was a child. Prosecutors used passages from his books at his rape trial to support their case that his behaviour towards women showed a long-standing pattern.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, and is due to be sentenced on Monday. He denied the charges and suggested the case was a media conspiracy; police are also investigating two further rape allegations, while prosecutors are assessing whether to bring additional charges.
In short
- Brand’s childhood account was cited at his rape trial.
- He was convicted of rape and sexually assaulting three women.
- Police are investigating two further rape allegations.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor and author who became well known through stand-up, television and film. His books include autobiographical accounts of his childhood and adult life, in which he wrote about people and events from his past.
In a criminal trial, prosecutors present evidence to support charges, while the defendant can challenge that evidence and give their own account. Brand denied the charges against him; the case matters because it concerns serious sexual offences and how evidence about past behaviour is considered in court.