Brand was convicted on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault over incidents in 2004, 2005, and 2009. He was found not guilty in Southwark Crown Court of two further counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Brand had previously pivoted to a Christian belief in 2024 after the allegations against him first emerged, and was baptized by survivalist Bear Grylls in the River Thames in April of that year.
Following Brand’s convictions, Bear posted a statement on social media saying that while he believed Brand’s faith seemed genuine at the time, he commended the victims of Brand for coming forward.
"Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism," Bear wrote on Twitter (X).
"I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes. It’s part of our calling as men and women of faith to love and serve anyone.
"It is the sick that need healing. Judgment is for the courts and God… I wouldn’t want to ever discourage someone’s coming to faith."
Read more
"It is right that justice has now been served," he added. "I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day."
Brand was baptized by Bear in the Thames in 2024, and the pair also participated in several other baptisms before charges were brought against Brand in London.
The disgraced comedian will be sentenced on Monday (November 9), where he is expected to face a significant custodial sentence.
Brand was placed on remand following his convictions on Thursday, where he was reportedly ‘petrified’ as he survived his first night in prison.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
Comments