Russell Brand’s father calls guilty verdict ‘wrong’

Brand had denied the allegations throughout the trial and testified about its effect on his life. During cross-examination by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, he described the proceedings as “a deeply traumatic episode” and said finding witnesses for his case had also been difficult.

Ron Brand said he had not expected the verdict. “I just didn’t expect this – it’s wrong,” he told the BBC. Brand’s wife, Laura, left the public gallery as the jury announced its decision. The court denied Brand bail and remanded him in custody. Sentencing is expected to resume on Monday at 10:30 GMT.

The Metropolitan Police welcomed the verdict. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy praised the women who came forward despite intense media attention, and accused Brand of using his influence to target women. He also said Brand’s sense of “entitlement” had grown with his public profile.

Brand’s defense lawyer, Ian Winter, argued that his client had been open about his past lifestyle and that promiscuity was not a crime. Winter told jurors Brand was “seeking approval and adoration” and believed the encounters were consensual. Prosecutors called several witnesses, including a woman whose account alleged that Brand grabbed her breasts at a party in 2023 and later orally raped her. Former associate Mark Pinheiro also testified about a 1999 trip, claiming Brand had spoken of a target of sexual encounters with more than 5,000 women.