Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inAdam WhiteFriday 06 November 2026 14:15 GMTRussell Brand guilty of one count of rape and three sexual assaultsBear Grylls has addressed his relationship with Russell Brand following the comedian's conviction for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women.Grylls had previously baptised Brand in the River Thames in 2024, defending his participation at the time as a personal moment of faith and a privilege to offer support.Writing on X after the verdict, Grylls stated that justice has now been served and praised the courage of the victims, describing them as the heroes of the day.During the four-week trial, the court heard that Brand treated women as disposable between 2004 and 2009, and police have noted he remains under investigation for further alleged offences.Brand has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on 9 November, with prominent figures from the comedy world publicly expressing relief and standing with the survivors.In fullBear Grylls breaks silence on Russell Brand conviction two years after baptising rapistMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in