Fresh allegations emerged in British media and a new documentary days after the comedian went to prison.
Six more women have accused Russell Brand of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior in accounts published shortly after the entertainer went to prison in London. Deadline reported that The Times of London published the fresh accusations on Thursday evening, detailing encounters that could not be reported until his criminal trial concluded. The newspaper’s earlier investigation in 2023 had prompted police inquiries that culminated in Brand’s recent trial.
The trial and sentence so far
On Monday, Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison following his criminal trial in London. Jurors had found him guilty of rape and sexual assault against four women, convicting him on one rape charge and three sexual assault charges while acquitting him on two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand has consistently denied non-consensual sexual activity, arguing during his trial that his conduct with women was “awful but lawful.” The 51-year-old comedian is held at HMP Wandsworth and is expected to serve seven years.
Details of the new claims
According to BBC News, the new claims against Brand span multiple separate encounters. One woman, identified as Alex, told The Times that Brand had sex with her without a condom despite her repeatedly telling him no and attempting to pull away. Alex said she chose not to fight because she feared what he might do, adding that Brand later apologized to her in person and over text messages.
Another woman named Vicky said Brand ignored her when she asked him twice to stop during intercourse because it was causing severe pain. She said Brand seemed completely detached during the encounter and claimed afterward that the sex was consensual. A third woman, identified as Zoe, alleged that Brand grabbed her throat and assaulted her after she arrived late to his hotel room. Another woman, who worked at a London entertainment venue in 2015 while Brand was in a relationship with his wife Laura Brand, alleged that Brand tried to drag her into a disabled bathroom after asking for toilet paper.
Documentary details and media culture
On Friday morning, Netflix released a documentary titled Russell Brand: Open Secret, produced by 72 Films. The programme features interviews with former partners, roommates and fellow performers. In the film, an ex-partner identified under the pseudonym Emily alleged that Brand pinned her arms behind her head and forced himself on her after refusing to wear protection, despite her begging him to stop.
Another former partner, Jordan Martin, alleged in the film that Brand smashed her phone and assaulted her in a hotel room after an argument about her ex-boyfriend. Martin also said Brand controlled her, claiming he forced her to brush her teeth until her gums bled because “he wanted me to taste anonymous.” The Times and Sunday Times reported that at least five sexual partners said Brand made them brush their teeth, including a woman he was convicted of raping in 2009.
Director Olivia Isaacs said production on the documentary started in November 2023, two months after the initial media investigation broke, Variety reported. Isaacs said the production team worked cautiously to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings once police launched their investigation. She explained that many people were afraid to speak due to past nondisclosure agreements and fears of legal action, while talent agents and television executives who worked with Brand during the 2000s declined to appear on camera.
What happens next
Brand’s legal team did not respond to requests for comment regarding the latest allegations reported by British media outlets. The Metropolitan Police said several people made fresh criminal complaints about Brand while his trial was underway, and detectives are currently reviewing those reports.
