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Bear Grylls addresses Russell Brand’s baptism, calls victims ‘heroes of the day’ after verdict
Bear Grylls has said justice was served after Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault, while describing the women who came forward as “the heroes of the day”. Grylls, who baptised Brand in 2024, said Brand’s faith had seemed genuine at the time and that he did not want to discourage anyone from seeking faith.
Brand was convicted after a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2004 and 2009. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault, maintains his innocence and remains in custody ahead of sentencing scheduled for 9 November. Police are investigating two further rape allegations.
In short
- Grylls says justice has been served.
- Brand was convicted of rape and three sexual assaults.
- He remains in custody ahead of sentencing.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Grylls can reasonably say that baptising Brand reflected his sincere belief that Brand was seeking faith at the time, rather than an endorsement of his conduct. He may also wish to protect the idea that people can turn to faith without their past or public associations discouraging them, while recognising that the women who came forward deserve credit.
The case against
Given Brand’s convictions, Grylls’s account of the baptism could be seen as giving undue emphasis to Brand’s apparent sincerity and the value of his spiritual journey. A thoughtful critic might argue that public remarks should centre the women harmed and avoid language that could soften the gravity of the convictions or distract from accountability.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian and actor who was tried at Southwark Crown Court over allegations of sexual offences. The case involved claims by several women about incidents between 2004 and 2009.
Bear Grylls is a television presenter known for outdoor adventure programmes. He baptised Brand in 2024, a Christian ceremony marking a person’s commitment to faith; Grylls later said Brand had appeared sincere at the time.
The case matters because it concerned serious criminal allegations and the experiences of women who came forward. A jury found Brand guilty of some charges and not guilty of others; he maintains his innocence.