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Bear Grylls says Russell Brand’s conversion to Christianity ‘seemed genuine to me’ after attending his private baptism – as actor now faces years in prison for rape
Bear Grylls said Russell Brand’s conversion to Christianity seemed genuine when Grylls attended his private baptism in April 2024. His comments came after Brand was convicted of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women, prompting questions about Grylls’s participation in the ceremony.
Grylls said he attended as a guest and that people of faith should offer support to anyone seeking it, while justice was for the courts and God. Brand’s baptism took place in the Thames near his home in Henley-on-Thames, months after allegations were made public but before he had been charged; the article reports that his trial at Southwark Crown Court lasted four weeks.
In short
- Grylls said Brand’s faith appeared genuine at the time of his baptism.
- Brand was convicted of rape and three sexual assaults.
- The baptism took place before Brand was charged.
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The case for
Grylls’s defence is that a baptism can be a sincere expression of faith and a source of support for someone seeking change, without excusing or determining the consequences of alleged or proven crimes. He attended as a guest before Brand was charged, and argues that questions of guilt and punishment belong to the courts rather than to those offering pastoral support.
The case against
Critics can argue that publicly associating with Brand through a private baptism risked lending credibility or spiritual legitimacy to him while serious allegations were already public. They may see support from a prominent figure as requiring greater care for those harmed and for public confidence that faith is not being used to soften accountability.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Bear Grylls says Russell Brand’s conversion to Christianity ‘seemed genuine to me’ after attending his private baptism – as actor now faces years in prison for rape”.