Russell Brand Discusses Past Sexual Conduct
Russell Brand has acknowledged having "exploitative" consensual sex with a 16-year-old girl during the height of his fame. The comedian, actor, and podcaster, aged 50, is due to stand trial in October over allegations of rape and sexual assault brought by six women. Brand denies all charges, which relate to incidents between 1999 and 2009.
In an interview on the YouTube show hosted by US journalist Megyn Kelly, Brand reflected on his past behaviour, describing himself as "selfish" and an "exploiter of women."
"I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30. When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old."
"Consensual sex with a lot of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.
"I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish and I did not apply enough consideration, barely any I suppose, really, to how that sex was affecting other people."
Legal Context and Charges
In the United Kingdom, the age of consent is 16, except when the adult is in a "position of trust" such as a teacher, social worker, sports coach, or doctor, in which case the age of consent is 18.
Brand, known for hosting Big Brother spin-off shows, presenting a BBC Radio 2 programme, and starring in several Hollywood films, faces three charges of rape, three allegations of sexual assault, and one charge of indecent assault.
His trial is scheduled to commence at Southwark Crown Court on 12 October. During the proceedings, his six accusers will present their claims, and Brand will have the opportunity to give evidence in his defence.
Details of Allegations
Previous court hearings have revealed that Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she was attending a Labour party conference in Bournemouth. Additional allegations include grabbing a television worker's breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet, as well as kissing and groping a radio worker after pushing her against a wall.
Brand currently resides in the United States but maintains a home in Buckinghamshire. He is on bail pending his trial.
