Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assault

By Lucia I Suarez Sang Associate Managing Editor Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald. Read Full Bio Updated on: November 5, 2026 / 9:35 AM EST / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Actor and comedian Russell Brand was found guilty of raping a woman in 2009 and sexually assaulting three other women on Thursday. Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand will be sentenced to prison.Brand, 51, was initially accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one charge of attempted indecent assault. On Thursday, he was acquitted of two rape counts and the attempted indecent assault charge.The allegations, made by six female complainants, span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009.During the trial, a prosecutor accused Brand of being a ruthless, calculating, manipulative "sexual predator."Brand, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man. He said he once led a promiscuous life but had never forced anyone to do something against their will, saying he thinks that "consent is absolutely non-negotiable." This is breaking news. Check back for updates. In: Russell Brand