Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Bear Grylls Speaks Out After Getting Heat For Baptizing Russell Brand: “It Is Right That Justice Has Been Served”
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Bear Grylls has responded to Russell Brand’s conviction, saying it was right that justice had been served and expressing sympathy for the victims. His comments revisit criticism of Grylls for helping baptise Brand in 2024, after allegations of sexual misconduct had been reported.
Grylls said Brand’s faith had seemed genuine at the time and that his religious calling was to support anyone seeking faith, including people who had committed serious crimes. Southwark Crown Court heard that reporting in 2023 prompted six women to make police complaints; four resulted in convictions on Thursday. Brand, who denied wrongdoing, is due to be sentenced next week.
- Sources
- 2
- Outlets
- 2
- Left · Centre · Right
- 0 · 0 · 1
In short
- Grylls says justice was served after Brand’s conviction.
- He says Brand’s faith appeared genuine at the 2024 baptism.
- Four of six police complaints resulted in convictions.
How this story developed
- 28 minutes ago Bear Grylls has said it was right that justice had been served after Russell Brand was convicted of four offences following allegations of sexual misconduct.
- 34 minutes ago Bear Grylls has responded to Russell Brand’s conviction, saying it was right that justice had been served and expressing sympathy for the victims. His comments revisit criticism of Grylls for helping baptise Brand in 2024, after allegations of sexual misconduct had been reported.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Grylls could argue that baptism and pastoral support are expressions of faith, not endorsements of a person’s conduct, and that people who seek spiritual change should not be excluded because they have committed serious offences. He may also say that Brand’s apparent sincerity at the time was a reasonable basis for supporting him, while recognising that the convictions rightly establish accountability.
The case against
Critics could argue that baptising and publicly supporting Brand after serious allegations had been reported risked lending him credibility and overlooking the harm described by complainants. They may say that a religious calling to support people in seeking faith should be exercised with care for those affected and should not appear to place personal redemption ahead of justice or accountability.
Coverage · 2 sources
- DeadlineBear Grylls Speaks Out After Getting Heat For Baptizing Russell Brand: “It Is Right That Justice Has Been Served”
- Daily MailRightBear 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