Russell Brand has publicly admitted to a past sexual relationship with a 16-year-old, describing his behaviour as 'exploitative,' even as he continues to deny a growing list of criminal allegations.
Speaking on 'The Megyn Kelly Show,'Brand did not dispute the core fact. 'The plain fact of it is that in Europe and in the United Kingdom, where I'm from, the age of consent is 16, and I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30,' he said.
'Consensual sex, actually, with a variety of people when there is a strong power differential, I think, involves exploitation,' he added. 'I think it is exploitative.'
Brand has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing. Yet here he concedes that aspects of his past sexual conduct were, in his own words, 'selfish' and lacking in consideration for others.
'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,' he said.
Brand's legal situation has developed steadily over the past year.In April 2025, he was charged with rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault relating to four women, with alleged incidents dating from 1999 to 2005. Prosecutors later authorised further charges in December, including an additional count of rape and one of sexual assault linked to two more women and alleged incidents in 2009.
He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Hisfirst appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Courton 2 May was procedural. He confirmed his details, acknowledged his bail conditions and said little else. The case was sent to the Old Bailey, where it was initially scheduledto begin in June 2026. That timetable has since shifted, with the trial now expected to start in October.
The delay extends a process already marked by complexity and scrutiny. It also leaves unresolved a case that continues to attract attention far beyond the courtroom.
Long before formal charges were brought, concerns about Brand's behaviour had surfaced intermittently. Some were raised publicly, others within organisations where he worked, and many appeared to dissipate without consequence at the time.
Source: International Business Times UK
