Russell Brand insisted he had never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity as he faced rape and sexual assault allegations that would ultimately lead to his conviction.
Newly released police video obtained by Digital shows Brand defending his sexual history during questioning by London’s Metropolitan Police.
In a December 2023 interview, Brand, now 51, sat alongside his attorney and delivered a lengthy prepared statement to detectives, maintaining that his encounters were consensual.
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“As I’ve repeatedly stated publicly … I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I’ve spent years openly denouncing. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity,” Brand said.
He then criticized the September 2023 investigation by several media outlets, which first brought numerous allegations against him into the public spotlight.
Brand described the reporting as “defamatory and fictitious,” suggesting encounters that had been consensual were later “invented or reimagined” as misconduct.
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“At present, I don’t recall the names of the complainants or meeting them,” he told investigators. “However, it’s entirely possible that I may have encountered them, and we may have engaged in consensual sexual activity, or physical contact.”
Brand also described kissing hundreds of members of the public during press events, book signings and other public appearances.
“I did my best to be accessible and non-discriminatory and loving,” he said. “I spent a lot of time at these events.”
The actor acknowledged making provocative jokes and comments to people and occasionally asking casual sexual partners to leave shortly after an encounter.
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But when detectives pressed him about specific allegations, Brand largely declined to elaborate, repeatedly telling officers he had “nothing further to add.”
“I do not intend to respond to your questions without sufficient time to consider the information to answer accurately,” he said.
The video was released Thursday, Nov. 5, following a jury’s decision to find Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The actor denied the charges throughout the proceedings.
The comedian was taken into custody following the verdict and is due to be sentenced Monday, Nov. 9, at London’s Southwark Crown Court, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Brand’s legal troubles could extend beyond his four convictions.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed to Digital that detectives are continuing to investigate rape allegations made by two additional women.
“The Met’s investigation into allegations of rape made by two women remains ongoing,” a spokesperson said. “The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations.”
The spokesperson added that case files had been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and that detectives remained in contact with prosecutors as further investigative work continued.
Brand faced three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault involving six women between 1999 and 2009 during his trial.
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During the trial, Brand acknowledged being “reckless” and using his fame to pursue sexual relationships but maintained that the encounters were consensual. He told jurors that consent was “fundamental, essential and necessary.”
Brand denied forcing any of the women to engage in sexual activity against their will.
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The prospect of prison was already hanging over Brand weeks before the jury delivered its verdict.
During an Oct. 11 episode of “Sunday Service with The Brands,” his wife, Laura Gallacher, read a message from a supporter who had spent five years in prison and offered the comedian words of encouragement.
“You will get through it … The presence of God is everywhere — in prison as well,” one supporter wrote.
Brand immediately interrupted.
“I don’t like things where it’s like, you might have to go to prison,” he told Laura.
“No, I know,” she responded, acknowledging that incarceration was a possible outcome of the trial.
“That’s the nature of what a trial is,” Laura said.
Brand conceded that possibility.
“That’s one of the challenges,” he replied.
The couple ended the episode by praying to God “for peace and love and for all the participants in this trial or any trial.”
Digital’s Stephanie Nolasco and Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.