‘I’ll never forget watching those brave women take down Russell Brand’

The article describes the sentencing hearing of Russell Brand after his conviction for sex crimes, focusing on the impact of his offending on the women who gave evidence. Its author recounts a victim speaking in court about the renewed distress the trial caused, and argues that Brand’s fame made it harder for victims to move on.

One woman, whose identity was concealed, said seeing Brand in the media had made her feel physically sick and described feeling traumatised and diminished after the assault. Another woman, who said Brand raped her after a consensual encounter became an assault, described fearing she might have contracted HIV and said his wealth and public profile created a power imbalance. The article also recounts the reactions of Brand and his family in court, and criticism of the defence barrister’s characterisation of the rape.