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The head of the Metropolitan Police stated he would not be surprised if additional individuals came forward with allegations against entertainer and comedian Russell Brand. The remarks follow Brand’s conviction on Thursday for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court.
Police Investigations and Ongoing Inquiries
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told BBC News and BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday that there are currently two active rape investigations involving Brand, and that the entertainer has already been interviewed under caution regarding those specific claims. Brand was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault during his trial, which examined accusations from six women involving incidents between 1999 and 2009.
Following the conclusion of the trial, legal documents revealed that one of the separate ongoing allegations involves a woman who was 16 years old at the time and featured in a Channel 4 documentary. Brand has denied these allegations. Sir Mark praised the courage of the women who testified, noting the severe difficulty of enduring such experiences and bringing them to the authorities. He emphasized that the majority of sexual offenses involve individuals abusing power, and assured that victims will be supported and believed.
Trial Remarks and Legal Reactions
During his interview, Sir Mark addressed comments made during the trial regarding the defense barrister telling jurors that none of the complainants had resisted, screamed, or attempted to leave. Sir Mark stated that what he heard reported from the courtroom came very close to victim blaming. When asked if he would support the Victim’s Commissioner’s call for a legal duty requiring judges to direct juries on rape myths and misconceptions in every rape trial, he said he would strongly support such a decision, adding that inaccurate statements about how a victim should behave should not be permitted to undermine a case.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand to expect a significant custodial term when he is sentenced on Monday. Brand was denied bail after his conviction on Thursday and will spend the weekend in custody. During a pre-trial hearing in October, Brand unsuccessfully attempted to have the criminal case dismissed, with his lawyers arguing that widespread publicity from a Dispatches programme prevented a fair trial.
Political Fallout and Associates
Politicians have also addressed the case, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who discussed the Labour Party’s past association with Brand. Burnham acknowledged that the public does not always know everything about figures in public life, stating on Friday that Brand’s crimes are horrific and that he had no idea of the full extent of the entertainer’s actions. Burnham previously posted in support of Brand on Twitter in 2014 during a media dispute over the comedian’s housing arrangements, urging him to keep going.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who was interviewed by Brand in the run-up to the 2015 general election while serving as Labour leader, has stated that he regrets the interview. Meanwhile, Jack Bayles, a member of Brand’s entourage in 2009 who was accused of laughing while Brand sexually assaulted a woman, has been asked to step back from his role as head of comedy at TV production company Various Artists Ltd while the company considers the verdicts. Bayles issued a statement expressing shock and offering sincere apologies, stating that he does not remember the incident from 17 years ago, called the working environment chaotic and pressured, and noted that he stopped working with Brand in 2010.
Brand is scheduled to return to Southwark Crown Court on Monday to face sentencing, where he is expected to receive a substantial prison sentence.
