A British jury has convicted comedian and actor Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The defendant was being tried at London’s Southwark Crown Court. The jury deliberated for two days after the trial. Though the jurors returned a guilty verdict on Thursday, they acquitted Brand of two other rapes and an attempted indecent assault.
He reportedly showed no emotion in court as the verdict was read.
Following the conviction, Brand was remanded in custody. His sentencing date was scheduled for this coming Monday.
Brand has consistently denied the allegations made by six women, though he has admitted to being sexually promiscuous during his time in Hollywood as an actor. He has said the incidents in question were consensual or invented.
Brand had been confident in his case, as was made evident by his not-guilty plea on all counts. He has not made a statement on social media about the conviction.
The 51-year-old man used to have a troubled past, dealing with his addictions to drugs and alcohol while he performed as a stand-up comedian and presenter on British television.
Brand is best known for his acting roles in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, and Bedtime Stories. He also dated and married pop singer Katy Perry before divorcing in 2012. Brand later met his second wife, Laura.
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Brand has been open about his Christian faith on his podcast, publicly admitting that he regrets his past behavior.
While he remains in British custody, the Metropolitan Police in London are investigating additional rape allegations made by two women, according to the BBC. The police force said Brand “has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations.”
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
