"It brings everything back" - Nikita Hand speaks out after Russell Brand sentencing

Nikita made headlines after she successfully won a civil lawsuit against Conor McGregor in November 2024 after a jury at the High Court found that McGregor raped Ms Hand in a hotel room in December 2018 and awarded her almost €250,000 in damages.

Following her court victory, Nikita published a memoir titled Not the Perfect Victim.

On Monday, the Dubliner was among the first to react to news that Brand was convicted to ten years and six months behind bars after being found guilty of three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape.

But the mum-of-two said that although she "commends" the judge for his "powerful words", the case brought everything back for her with the "added trauma that my case was never prosecuted."

In an emotional statement, she said: "I haven’t said anything about the Russell Brand case because it was so triggering for me. Days like this are bittersweet for rape and abuse survivors.

"There is the joy at seeing justice prevail. But high-profile rape cases are triggering: It brings everything back. For me, that includes the added trauma that my case was never prosecuted.

Nikita Hand reading a statement outside the High Court in 2024.

"It was left to me to seek justice the only way I could, through the civil court. Never again would I have the luxury of privacy: But I don’t regret it. I stand with the victim survivors of Russell Brand, and with all victim survivors, everywhere.

"I commend the judge for his powerful words today: They speak to the heart of it all. Speak out. You will be heard. You will be believed.

"You will be held by fellow survivors. Love, Nikita," she wrote on social media.

On Monday, Brand was jailed for 10-and-a-half years for raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three TV and radio workers during his rise to international fame.

Bear Grylls and Russell Brand.

Brand’s wife Laura Gallacher was visibly distressed as she departed the court following the verdict. The disgraced entertainer was observed silently communicating “I’m OK” to his legal team as he was escorted to the cells.

During the four-week trial, the court heard how Brand targeted women he met throughout his high-profile TV and radio career.

Brand, who was previously married to pop star Katy Perry for a brief period, maintained that all his sexual encounters had been consensual during what he described as a "promiscuous" lifestyle.

After his sentencing, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of Scotland Yard said: "Today’s sentence marks a significant milestone in our investigation and means Russell Brand has been held accountable for his crimes.

"My thoughts today are with the women who came forward and made this investigation possible. Reporting sexual offenses can be incredibly difficult, and they have shown immense bravery, dignity, and resilience throughout what has been a lengthy investigation and challenging trial process.

"The victims have had to revisit deeply traumatic experiences and endure significant public and media attention. I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of closure and allows them to continue rebuilding their lives.

"Their courage in coming forward has not only led to this outcome but may also give confidence to others who have suffered sexual violence to seek help and report what happened to them. I hope they recognize just how powerful their actions have been and the difference they may make to others.

"From the very beginning, our investigation was never about Russell Brand’s profile, status or celebrity. Our focus has always been on the women who reported these offenses and on conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations they made.

"I am incredibly proud of the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to gather evidence, pursue every available line of inquiry, and support the victims throughout the process. Working closely with colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, they built a case that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice.

"Finally, I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who has been a victim of rape or any other sexual offense. We know it can take enormous courage to speak about what has happened to you, no matter how long ago it occurred or who was responsible.

"If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported, and treated with care and compassion."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.