Grylls responds to the London verdict
Bear Grylls, the television adventurer known for his survival series, has commented on Russell Brand's conviction for rape and sexual assault, a case in which Grylls had earlier taken part in Brand's baptism. A London jury convicted Brand on Thursday of one rape count and three counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of two further rape charges and of one attempted indecent assault count. Brand had denied everything and entered not guilty pleas. Following the verdict he was placed in police custody to await sentencing on Monday.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
Writing on X the day after the ruling, Grylls said Brand's faith had appeared sincere to him when he attended the private baptism, and that he has now been present at several such ceremonies, including visits in prisons with people convicted of serious crimes. He framed accompanying anyone toward faith as part of a religious calling, adding that healing is meant for the sick and that judgment belongs to the courts and to God. He also said he would never wish to deter anyone from embracing faith.[S1][S5]
Grylls went on to say that the outcome was correct and that he could not picture how difficult the period had been for the complainants, whom he called the heroes of the day. Six women gave evidence against Brand about incidents said to have taken place between 1999 and 2009. Once the verdicts were delivered, the Metropolitan Police said they are examining additional rape allegations made by two women.[S1]
How the baptism became a public controversy
Grylls drew attention in 2024 when he was present at Brand's baptism in the River Thames, which took place less than a year after the first allegations against Brand were published by the Sunday Times and in a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary series. Brand had appeared as a guest on Grylls' program Running Wild in 2023, before that series aired. After the allegations surfaced, Brand turned to Christianity and discussed his beliefs at length through his social media channels.[S1]
