By Basant El-Faramawy
Russell Brand, 51, is under investigation for two additional alleged rapes following his conviction on Thursday for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Conviction Details
The four-week trial heard that the actor and comedian treated women as “disposable” and “amusements” to satisfy his sexual appetite between 1999 and 2009. He was found guilty of attacks committed during his rise to fame.
Ongoing Investigations
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the three-year probe, said Brand has been interviewed under caution over the two new allegations and files have been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for both complainants. Two earlier allegations were previously reviewed but did not meet the evidential threshold.
Police Warn More Victims May Come Forward
Furphy warned there is a “very distinct possibility” that the guilty verdicts will encourage more women to report offenses, calling the investigation “live” and stating “our work is not done.” He suggested the trial could be a “watershed moment” in addressing offending tied to 1990s and 2000s “lad culture.”
Defense Tactics Criticized
The detective described Brand’s courtroom demeanor as shifting from loud protestations to “bizarre” silences under cross-examination. He criticized defense lawyer Ian Winter KC for perpetuating rape myths by questioning why victims did not scream, fight back, or escape, noting that freezing is a common trauma response according to Rape Crisis England and Wales.
Blogger Arrested for Compromising Anonymity
Police arrested a blogger who published details risking a victim’s anonymity. After initially removing the material, the individual republished it on YouTube and received a police caution. The Metropolitan Police urged anyone with information to contact the investigation team via email or by calling 101 quoting reference 2321/04NOV26.
