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Russell Brand’s defence barrister has referred himself to the regulator following allegations that he confronted a Sunday Times journalist involved in a 2023 media investigation into Brand. Ian Winter KC stated that the media characterization of the incident means the matter should undergo proper scrutiny by the Bar Standards Board.
Allegations and Self-Reporting
According to a Times and Sunday Times podcast on Thursday, journalist Rosamund Urwin stated she introduced herself to Ian Winter KC outside court after verdicts were delivered. She claimed he responded with a snarl and said he hoped she was pleased with herself. Urwin added that she apparently replied that she was pleased justice had been done, though she could not personally remember saying it.
The journalist claimed that Winter also told her it was not her and used swearing. On Friday, Winter stated that his professional obligations required him to report the allegations himself. The Bar Standards Board regulates barristers in England and Wales in the public interest. In his statement, Winter noted he made the report so the allegations can receive proper scrutiny given how the press characterised the events.
Trial and Legal Proceedings
In September 2023, four women accused Brand of rape, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse through a joint investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches and the Times and Sunday Times. The actor and comedian denied those allegations. Following a four-week trial, he was found guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. None of the women who featured in the media investigation were the complainants in the criminal trial.
During an October pre-trial hearing, Brand’s lawyers unsuccessfully attempted to have his criminal case dismissed, arguing that intense publicity from the media programs prevented a fair trial. Prosecutors opposed the application. Brand also faces investigations over two additional rape allegations from two other women. Court documents from a London Southwark Crown Court hearing prior to the trial indicate one of these women was 16 years old when the alleged offence occurred and appeared in a Channel 4 documentary. Brand has denied these allegations as well.
Police and Political Reactions
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated on Friday that he would not be surprised if additional individuals came forward with allegations against Brand. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Mark praised the bravery of the women who reported to the police and testified in court. He emphasized that police will do everything possible to bring powerful individuals responsible for ghastly acts to justice.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced questions regarding the Labour Party’s past association with Brand, as several party figures sought his support over a decade ago prior to police investigations. Ed Miliband, then Labour leader, was interviewed by Brand before the 2015 election, and Burnham publicly supported Brand in 2014 during a housing dispute. Burnham stated on Friday that people do not always know everything about public figures, described Brand’s crimes as horrific, and noted that he had no knowledge of the full extent of Brand’s actions.
Brand remains in custody while awaiting sentencing scheduled for Monday. Mr Justice Bennathan informed Brand after the jury returned its verdicts that he should expect a significant custodial term.
