By Fatma Younis
Bear Grylls has broken his silence on Russell Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault, two years after the TV adventurer baptized the comedian in the River Thames.
Baptism and earlier defense
In 2024, Brand revealed he had been baptized by Grylls to “leave the past behind,” months after a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary and a Sunday Times investigation detailed accusations from four women. At the time, Brand denied all allegations, which were not the same charges he faced at trial. Grylls defended his participation, saying he lives by the mantra “What would Jesus do?” and believed the baptism was necessary during Brand’s “tough time.”
Grylls’ statement after verdict
On Thursday, after a jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women, Grylls wrote on X that Brand’s faith “seemed genuine” during the private baptism. He said he has attended baptisms in prisons with people who committed terrible crimes, calling it part of a calling to “love and serve anyone.” Grylls added that judgment belongs to the courts and God, that justice has been served, and called the victims “the heroes of the day.”
Background and further allegations
Grylls and Brand became friends when Brand appeared on Grylls’ reality show Running Wild. Brand later published a self-help book, How to Become a Christian in Seven Days, which received scathing reviews. At trial, prosecutors said Brand treated women as “disposable” and “amusements” in a string of attacks between 2004 and 2009. Police have warned further victims could come forward, and Brand is under investigation for two more alleged rapes, including one involving a 16-year-old. He was remanded in custody and faces sentencing on Monday, 9 November.
Industry reactions
The verdict drew celebration from many in comedy. Katy Brand, who had spoken out about Brand’s behavior, said it was hard to convey how powerful he once was. Comedian Katherine Ryan, who was legally gagged from naming Brand for years, said she felt “a level of relief, but grief alongside relief,” praising the survivors who came forward despite Brand’s fame and resources.
